In a year defined by a never-before-seen injury toll, a silver lining from the decimation of midfield personnel is the development of Touk Miller. The first year midfielder has gradually increased his time in the middle of the ground this season, culminating in a full game against Greater Western Sydney last weekend, his best performance yet at the highest level.
 
With Mitch Hallahan joining a plethora of first class midfielders in the medical ward at Metricon Stadium this week, Miller is set for another full game in the SUNS engine room against a star-studded Adelaide onball brigade on Saturday afternoon.
 
After being overlooked on a handful of occasions, Miller was finally rewarded for his excellent debut season with last round’s Rising Star nomination following his stunning performance against the Giants.
 
Through tenacity and sheer desire, the former Vic Metro and Calder Cannons captain has gradually built a case for this year’s Rising Star prize. It’s no surprise that his finest hour at the highest level coincided with his greatest exposure to the midfield. And on the back of that effort, Rodney Eade says the talented first-year player will spend the afternoon in there again this weekend.
 
“No doubt, his form last week was great. He probably gave us that injection of speed around the ball, of toughness around the ball which is great. He will play there; he’ll have to share the load with other players as well,” Eade told SUNS TV on Friday.
 
Miller, along with fellow first-year emerging star, Adam Saad, have been two of the bright sparks in an otherwise bleak season at Metricon Stadium. With injury sweeping through Gold Coast like a six-goal breeze, load management has become a concern, particularly with players in their infancy.
 
Saad has succumbed to a lingering groin issue that has shown signs of osteitis pubis, forcing the daring defender to miss the last three games. Whilst Miller has displayed signs of fatigue, Eade believes his elite attention to detail with his training, recovery and preparation has allowed him to achieve what he has in adverse circumstances this season.
 
“We’re thrilled and surprised that he’s been able to last as long as he has with the quality of performance. Actually, his performance has increased,” Eade said.
 
“It’s a big load for young players. Adam Saad’s going to miss his third game now with a groin, but that’s just the load not being experienced and being able to handle that. Touk’s done exceptionally well.
 
“He had a bit of a flat spot there for a couple of weeks, which you expect, but his professionalism and the way he goes about it I think is a testament to that, that he’s been able to perform like he has and be able to recover each week and get up. I think it shows we’ve got another midfielder which is great.”