One of Gold Coast’s newest recruits, Anthony Miles has set himself lofty expectations for his first season in the red and gold.
The former Tiger played over 50 games straight for Richmond from 2014 to 2016, but then was left on the outer and only managed to break into the AFL side on six occasions over the last two seasons.
This prompted the 26-year-old to look to the SUNS for future opportunities who were equally eager to gain his services moving forward.
“The thing that really excites me about the SUNS is it’s such a young list and developing list,” Miles told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“I was fortunate enough to watch a few of the last few games and I was really excited about the direction the SUNS are going.
“Speaking to particularly Stuey and what he’s got in store, I can’t wait to come up there.
“The thing I learnt from Richmond is how quickly it can be turned around and Richmond just basically got back to having fun and enjoying their footy and I think that’s something we can all do up there.”
Miles played five matches in Richmond’s 2017 premiership year, but was overlooked for their barnstorming finals campaign.
It was a tough pill to swallow for Miles, who had given so much to the club previously, only to watch some of his closest friends win a premiership without him.
Miles classifies himself as a tough inside midfielder and prides himself on winning contested ball and clearances for his side, but the Tigers already had that in abundance.
Being parked behind superstars Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin in the Richmond pecking order, while frustrating, did have some silver linings.
“It’s been tough to break into a side that’s continually winning, won a premiership and then finishes a couple of games clear on the top of the ladder,” Miles said.
“But Trent’s been a mentor of mine for the last five years he’s been great to me and I’ve learnt a lot off those guys.
“I’m hoping I can bring some of that up and transfer that onto some of the younger mids at the SUNS as well.”
His ambitions to return to AFL football on a regular basis could become a reality at the SUNS who have identified midfield depth as a target throughout the trade and draft periods.
Not only that, but Miles’ character and resilience he has shown in his career to date will no doubt be valued highly off the field as the club looks to reshape its cultural identity.
“Obviously I’d love to play as much senior footy as possible, play every game and to add something to the Gold Coast culture,” Miles said.
“I’ve got a real passion for the development side of things, developing young players and trying to add a bit of value there and just genuinely adding something to the culture of the Gold Coast SUNS.
“That’s probably the one goal next year, I’d be lying if I didn’t want to continue to play senior footy and add something to the culture as well.”
The midfielder is no doubt ready for a return to senior football, fresh off winning the VFL’s league best and fairest award.
He was constantly touted as playing “above VFL level” but just needed to be given an opportunity.
“I suppose at the start of the year I didn’t set out to play that much VFL footy but to be recognised and win the league medal is always nice and it’s probably something I’ll reflect on later in life,” he said.
“But I’d love to be playing AFL footy and that’s probably hence the move and the excitement of coming to the SUNS, it’s a fresh start and hopefully (means) playing a lot more senior footy.
“The drive to come back and play senior footy and the fire in me to improve and get better is higher than it’s ever been.”
