Touk Miller’s outstanding debut campaign was reflected in Friday night’s best and fairest, with the tenacious teenager finishing just adrift of the podium in fourth place. A phenomenal achievement by a first-year player, particularly in a season where Gold Coast was decimated by injury.
 
The 19-year-old made his debut in round one and held his spot for the entire season. As the injury carnage mounted around him, Miller became increasingly important to the SUNS, eventually moving into the midfield in a role where he looked right at home.
 
Across the entire home and away season, Miller averaged 17.0 possessions, 5.0 tackles and 3.3 clearances, emerging as one of the most influential young players in the game.
 
Those numbers stack up alongside all the players from his draft class, but the most eye-catching statistic of his season is his pressure rating. Miller ranked second in the entire competition for pressure acts behind Collingwood’s Jack Crisp. Like a bee around a hive, Miller hovered from opponent to opponent all year long, applying pressure like it was his predominant task.
 
It was apparent from his first game on the MCG against Melbourne that he wouldn’t be overawed by league football. He didn’t accumulate much of the ball on Easter Saturday, but he demonstrated how good he was going to be at playing the role of a defensive forward.
 
By round three down at Geelong, the Calder Cannons product started to collect ball of his own and use it with effectiveness. He collected 18 possessions on a cold, miserable day at the Cattery and showed his poise and class against high quality opposition.
 
Across the next month, Miller averaged 21 possessions, 10 contested possessions and five tackles to demonstrate that he wasn’t going to be a flash in the pan type. He was consistent, and he was damaging. Pressure was the cornerstone of his game, but he was also pristine clean below his knees and astute with his decision-making.
 
By the time the bye rolled around it was difficult to comprehend how Miller hadn’t earned a Rising Star nomination yet. Surely the powers that be were assessing his pressure ratings and seeing what he offered when he didn’t have possession of the ball? The continued oversight baffled those inside Metricon Stadium, but there was no doubt a nomination wouldn’t be far away.
 
A fortnight of class against North Melbourne and then the Western Bulldogs still went unnoticed outside the four walls in Carrara. But then, his crowning moment came in round 16 against Greater Western Sydney.
 
In a performance that demanded a nomination and in one of the best games produced by a young player in 2015, Miller collected 27 disposals, 18 contested possessions, nine clearances, seven inside 50s, three score assists and two goals of his own. It was the most complete performance of his short career.
 
In the closing quarter of the year, the biggest concern for the former Vic Metro captain was how to manage his body and workload. After all, 2015 was his first year and regardless of how well he was playing, fatigue was destined to set in.
 
With Gary Ablett, David Swallow, Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia all absent due to injury, Rodney Eade desperately needed Miller in Gold Coast’s engine room. His form was too good and the SUNS had minimal options.
 
The St Kevin’s College product did fade in the back end of the year as his petrol tank plummeted, but he did prove how dependable he can be. A run-with role on Brownlow medal fancy Dan Hannebery in round 23, provided another invaluable learning lesson for Miller in his maiden season.
 
A sixth placing in the Rising Star award was arguably not high enough given the performances he produced this season, particularly in adverse circumstances. But regardless of individual accolades, Miller has set strong foundations to launch a long and decorated career from.