Touk Miller arrived on the Gold Coast following the National Draft with little fanfare and got straight to work with minimal fuss. From his first day at Metricon Stadium, the future leader has gradually mounted his case for round one selection, which finally culminated with confirmation on Thursday.

The former Vic Metro and Calder Cannons captain has not put a foot wrong during his maiden summer in Carrara, with his performances throughout the NAB Challenge series drawing attention for all the right reasons.

The 18-year-old’s clean hands below his knees, manic harassment of the opposition and ability to keep his feet in the contest have given Rodney Eade no other option but to include him in Saturday afternoon’s round one side.

Miller revealed his delight at learning the news of his selection and after a long journey to the AFL; his Mum was over the moon by the news that her boy would be running out on the MCG this weekend.

“Rocket came up to me during training, in the middle of a drill, and he said: ‘Just to confirm you’re playing round one this week’. So that was it. I sort of turned around, ran back into the training drill trying to contain my excitement,” Miller told SUNS TV on Thursday afternoon.

“I was all smiles and laughter when I came off the ground and I called mum straight away so it was pretty good.

“Mum, she was stoked. She actually found out before did, she knew the night before. She couldn’t contain her excitement, she was yelling and screaming through the phone.

“I think she might have got a sneaky call from someone else from the club, so she texted me at night time asking me if I wanted to chat thinking that I already knew and hadn’t told her.”

The St Kevin’s College product played in all three of the SUNS' NAB Challenge matches across half-forward, averaging 12.3 possessions and five tackles per outing to demonstrate his value in a role that demands a team-first attitude.

Miller admits gaining confidence from his exposure to senior football during the NAB Challenge series and with his body getting through pre-season number one; he is as well equipped as possible for his debut against the Demons.

“The way I feel at the moment, I’ve got my body ready, I’ve had a reasonable pre-season I think, so fingers crossed I can do what the team needs me to do,” Miller said.

“I think the three NAB Challenge games probably gives me confidence just to back myself in an AFL environment. I’m really happy that I got to play all three, it gives me a good lead.”