THERE is an old-fashioned feel to Touk Miller's footy. Helikes to dig in for disposals, he plays with his socks pulled up, andfaced the age-old decision of pursuing an AFL or cricket career.
Butthe Calder Cannons and Vic Metro captain also added some dash and flashto his game this season, in what was a consistent campaign for the18-year-old.
His NAB AFL Under-18Championships were affected by a shoulder injury but he managed to playwith the concern and continued to tackle hard, chase and pick up touchesin the midfield.
As a 15-year-old, Millermade his senior football debut for local club Maribyrnong Park, and alsobecame the second youngest person to play for premier cricket clubNorth Melbourne.
He stopped playing cricketlast year to focus on his football, a decision which should be rewardedon November 27 with his name likely to be called by an AFL club.
Milleris a powerful on-baller with a strong trunk and legs that make itdifficult for him to be pushed off the ball at contests. In 13 TAC Cupgames this season, he averaged 22 disposals and five clearances.
He'sbest inside those stoppages, using his quick hands to get the footy anddish it out. He also likes to push forward when he can, and he averageda goal a game in the TAC Cup this season, including three goals in theCannons' Grand Final defeat.
One-on-one Miller is hard to get around: his core strength and dogged attitude is difficult to counter.
Millerran 10:19 for the three-kilometre time trial at the NAB AFL DraftCombine and uses that aerobic capacity to defend well across the ground,a trait easy to miss but important nonetheless.
Fora smaller midfielder he's not super fast (he tested 3.06 seconds forthe 20m sprint at the combine). But other than that it's just a matterif clubs are looking for smaller inside midfielders.
Miller plays a bit taller and stronger than he is, and marks well overhead for a player his size, but is still just 178cm.
Milleris fine with putting his head over the footy, copping a few bumps andbruises and getting on with things. In that way, he's a little likeMelbourne's Nathan Jones – a player you'd back to give his all everyweek through the midfield and one who can use his solid frame to impactclearances.
Somewherebetween picks 20 and 40 seems the most likely spot for Miller, whoshould be able to nestle into a club relatively quickly.
