On Saturday night, Touk Miller will draw the curtains on an exceptional debut season in the AFL. Having played all 22 games, and emerging as one of the best young talents in the game this season, the tenacious midfielder has set the foundations for a long and prosperous career at the highest level.
 
Most of the Rising Star discussions centre around Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps and Melbourne spearhead Jesse Hogan. And with good reason given their brilliant campaigns. But Miller’s form demands more attention in the southern states, given his exploits during a tumultuous year at the Gold Coast SUNS.
 
Miller plays like a never-ending battery, and almost overnight set the benchmark for pressure acts amongst the young players in the competition. He has been asked to play a handful of roles all over the ground, moving into the midfield in the second half of the year and stepping up in the absence of key personnel.
 
Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade has played a significant part in his journey to date and ahead of the SUNS' final game of the season, the veteran mentor praised Miller’s versatility and ability to adapt to different roles in the heat of battle.
 
“To play all 22 games in your first season just straight out of the under 18's is an enormous effort,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday afternoon.
 
“He’s had a variety of roles and he’s responded exceptionally well. His leadership’s first class, so we are expecting big things from him going forward.”
 
The dreaded second-year blues have become a football fable in recent times, with emerging stars suffering a fall in performance in their second-year for a variety of reasons.
 
Eade is confident Miller won’t fall victim to this complacency-laden curse due to his professionalism and his application to his craft. But now, after 22 games in his debut year, the Victorian deserves a well-earned rest, both mentally and physically.
 
“You wouldn’t think he’d have second-year blues because of his attitude and the way he goes about it.
 
“At times he’s tapered off because of that load I think – he’s looked tired. But him and Kade Kolodjashnij are the only two to play every game.
 
“Touk’s done a fantastic job and deserves a big rest. Hopefully he can come back next pre-season and take the next step.”