Touk Miller says he has mental edge over Dayne Zorko ahead of QClash at Metricon Stadium
TOUK Miller says he will go into this week’s QClash already carrying a mental edge over Dayne Zorko as he prepares to try and tag the Lions midfielder out of the game for a second time.
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TOUK Miller says he will go into this week’s QClash already carrying a mental edge over Dayne Zorko as he prepares to try and tag the Lions midfielder out of the game for a second time.
Miller completely shut Zorko out of the game on his way to winning a second Marcus Ashcroft Medal in Round 5.
Frustrations boiled over following Gold Coast’s five-point win and Zorko refused to shake Miller’s hand at the end of the game at the Gabba.
Miller said he would line up against Zorko on Saturday at Metricon Stadium already winning the battle of the mind but predicted the crafty Lions talent to come ready for his physical tactics.
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“I’d like to think that (tagging) role would come my way and I’m really happy to take it on board and have a real crack at it again,” Miller said.
“There was a patch there where (Zorko) got shut down in quite a few games but there has also been times where he has had 34 (disposals) and kicked four (goals) so you can see why he is such a good player.
“Levi Greenwood did a good job on him last week which I looked at and it will be interesting to see the different type of tactics he comes with to try and get himself free.
“I’ll put time into it and make sure I’m across what he has done in the last couple of weeks.
“I’m hoping to have a lot more battles with (Zorko) in the coming years and the first one I got up on him so I’m sure he will be out to redeem himself.”
Zorko became Miller’s first big scalp while playing a hard tag and the reliable Suns midfielder has spent time running with the likes of Carlton’s Marc Murphy and Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell at various times throughout the season.
“The coaches trust me to go to a player and shut them out of the game,” Miller said.
“It’s quite a tough role because you’re playing to someone else’s game plan.
“It’s been a learning role for me as well because you’re playing on their best player. You end up learning a lot from what they can offer.
“You can see how they go about getting themselves back in the game while having someone on their hammer.
“Some work really hard, some use blocks and some sacrifice their own game.”
A lot has changed since the two Queensland clubs last met. The Suns were 3-2 after their QClash win while Brisbane were winless from five games.
Now Brisbane sit in front of Gold Coast on the ladder — with both teams having won four games — and have produced the best form out of either club in recent times.
“This game is huge for us on the calendar,” Miller said.
“It’s a really big opportunity for us to get a win and at least get something out of these last few games of the season.
“We need to try and get that winning feeling and chase it this game.”
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