AFL Draft 2014: Touk Miller a steal for Gold Coast Suns

TOUK Miller was the steal of the draft at pick 29 for the Gold Coast Suns, with many pundits expecting him to be selected much earlier.

IF BLOODLINES count for anything, new Gold Coast recruit Touk Miller will go the distance in his AFL career without missing a beat.

The hard-edged midfielder was the steal of the draft on Thursday night at pick No. 29 with many pundits expecting the combative Vic Metro and Calder Cannons captain to be selected much earlier.

Miller’s US-born father Wylie is a jazz and blues musician currently playing on cruise ships while his mother Ruth is a veteran marathon runner and triathlete.

DRAFT ANALYSIS: HOW YOUR CLUB FARED

He was a standout junior cricketer who dabbles in surfing as well as working as a barista and DJ.

It is a diverse background but his football pedigree is blue-chip.

Touk Miller was captain of the Calder Cannons. Picture: David Smith

A prolific ball-winner at junior level, the 177-cm tall, 80kg Miller is considered an elite runner and good kick who will only add to the red-hot midfield at the Suns.

“I’m beyond excited. I’m absolutely pumped. Words cannot describe how great it feels to be an AFL player and be at a club like Gold Coast,’’ he said.

“I was told I could go somewhere between pick 15 and 35 but I was just happy to have my name read out at all.

“The Suns midfield will be hard to crack but it will only help my development to have the best of the best around me every day. I’m lucky in that regard.

DRAFT CLASS OF 2014

“I’ll be happy to play anywhere and play a role for the team.’’

Gold Coast senior coach Rodney Eade said Miller was ready-made for the AFL.

“We were a bit afraid he would go earlier but we are thrilled he slipped through to us at No. 29,’’ Eade said.

“He’s quite strong and powerful. He is also a real leader with great character. He is tough too,’’ Eade said.

“He can play anywhere for us and could certainly play senior footy next year.’’

Fellow Suns recruit Peter Wright, taken at pick No. 8, has played all his junior representative football with Miller and said the Gold Coast had scored a bargain.

“I thought he would go in the top 20 for sure. He is a very good get,’’ Wright said.

“He is hard at the footy, loves to tackle and is very team orientated. He is someone you love going into battle with.’’

The Gold Coast are also excited about their No. 15 pick Jarrod Garlett who fits the prototype of recent Suns draftees.

The midfielder/small forward is super quick, tough, skilful and from WA.

He played senior football for South Fremantle in the WAFL this year and was a standout at the draft combine across a range of disciplines.

“Garlett has got electrifying speed. A lot of players who are quick on the outside don’t win their own ball but he has the ability to win his own ball. His run-and-carry is excellent and he loves to tackle,’’ Eade said.

“We are delighted to get him. He can play senior footy next year too.’’