Touk Miller has always stated his desire to become an elite midfielder of the AFL competition and in just his third season of league footy, the 21-year-old has already established himself as a bona fide midfielder in Rodney Eade’s rotation.

But despite averaging 28 disposals in his last eight games of 2016 and collecting 27 touches (17 contested) against Brisbane on Saturday night to be one of the SUNS’ best players against the Lions, Miller is a realist when it comes to achieving his goal.

The newly elected Gold Coast leader considers himself ‘a while’ off being classed as elite, but remains steadfast in his desire to reach his goal which will come on the back off a lot of hard work and consistency.

READ: Saad looking for continual improvement

“I think there’s a fair few people ahead of me, but I’m not going to stop where I am now,” Miller told reporters at SUNS headquarters on Tuesday.

“I’ve got full intentions of still trying to get to that goal and I’ve just got to keep working hard.

“There are a lot of aspects of my game (I need to improve). Still a lot of stoppage craft work. I’d like to finish more, hit the scoreboard a bit more often.”

Given his outstanding finish to 2016 and the positive start to this year’s season, Miller is growing in confidence with each week he spends in the engine room.

After leading an undermanned midfield in the latter stages of last year, Miller is thrilled to be working with a much stronger midfield unit after the additions of Jarryd Lyons, Pearce Hanley and Michael Barlow, as well as the return of Gary Ablett.

READ: AFL Coaches votes: round one

The new-look SUNS midfield was solid in QClash13, winning many of the key indicators, but will look to continue to build the synergy amongst the group as the season goes on.

“Obviously growing (in confidence) each week. The fact that I got a bit of a taste for it last year helped a lot,” Miller said.

“Probably got a bit lucky with a few injuries in the fact that I had a bit more opportunity but going forward I’m keen as mustard to get out there and start showing what I’ve got.

“We’ve got a really strong midfield and just gotta gel together with them as much as possible.”