Gold Coast Suns co-captain Touk Miller speaks on Jack Lukosius trade rumours

Gold Coast co-captain Touk Miller has weighed in on the future of Jack Lukosius after a dominant VFL outing intensified speculation about him returning to South Australia.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Jack Lukosius of the Suns reacts at full-time during the round 19 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Gold Coast Suns at ENGIE Stadium, on July 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Gold Coast captain Touk Miller says Jack Lukosius has taken his AFL demotion in his stride as speculation swirls around the future of the former No. 2 draft pick.

Lukosius was dropped from the AFL side ahead of the win over Essendon a fortnight ago and not long after it was reported he had met with Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks.

That combination of events has led to speculation the South Australian could seek a trade home at the end of the season despite having two years to run on his current contract.

Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick last week declared Lukosius was a “required player” at the Suns but conceded he was yet to get the best out of the 24 year old, who has been tested both as a forward and defender this season.

Lukosius was again left out of the AFL side for last Saturday’s heavy loss to Melbourne and instead played in the VFL curtain raiser against Casey Demons, where he booted five goals from 25 disposals and took 14 marks in an 88-point win.

There could be a trade period showdown brewing between the Power & Crows with Alex Neal-Bullen and potentially Jack Lukosius looking to come home to SA.

Port skipper Connor Rozee is best mates with Lukosius and says he chats with the Suns forward nearly every day @7NewsAdelaidepic.twitter.com/c2LW4w2rin

— Josh Money (@joshmoney__) August 14, 2024

It was a statement performance that will have many looking ahead to selection on Thursday and whether Hardwick recalls the key forward for the trip to Melbourne to face Richmond at the MCG.

The Suns kicked just nine goals against the Demons at the weekend and only two after halftime.

Jack Lukosius' numbers in the VFL 🥵 pic.twitter.com/QgJhStn5ET

— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 17, 2024

Gold Coast captain Miller, who returned from a wrist injury for the Demons clash, said Lukosius had said and done all the right things internally since being dropped.

“That’s the ups and downs of football for him,” Miller said.

“He’s gone back to the twos and played really well on the weekend which is exciting for us.

“Sometimes those types of knocks when they might come unexpectedly can bring someone down but the fact he’s gone back, played well and accepted it, (he) will only get better from that.

“For Luko over the course of this year he’s probably had a bit of a rollercoaster.

“The messaging has been really clear and precise for him. He’s gone back to the twos and he’s doing what he’s supposed to be doing and we’re looking forward to seeing him back in full flight.”

Jack Lukosius appears likely to head to South Australia at season’s end. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Suns were still in the finals hunt when Miller fractured his wrist in the round 18 loss to North Melbourne.

He pushed to return to the side on Saturday even though the club’s September dreams were no longer a reality.

Playing with a heavily strapped left wrist that is still not yet fully healed, Miller refused to buy into the idea there was nothing to play for this weekend against Richmond.

The club has been criticised for putting finals on the agenda at the start of the season and failing to live up to that benchmark but Miller said there were no regrets after another season of growth.

Jack Lukosius LAUNCHES it for his third 💪

🎥: Watch the Smithy’s VFL live and free on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTMpic.twitter.com/PSH2gMbxB8

— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) August 17, 2024

“We wanted to play finals and we put it up in the air early in the season and we weren’t able to do that and it’s disappointing,” he said.

“The fact that we’re putting it out there and want to have that as a baseline is really important. The only way you can get up there and contend is if you have the aspirations to do so.

“We’re happy we put it on the table and we would do it again next year. Obviously we want a better result … but I think you have to set those lofty goals in order to achieve them.”

A win over Richmond on Saturday would lift Gold Coast to 11 wins for the season – the most in the club’s history.

Originally published as Gold Coast Suns co-captain Touk Miller speaks on Jack Lukosius trade rumours