TOUK Miller has to pinch himself to believe he's Gary Ablett's teammate.
But the 19-year-old Gold Coast midfielder has now achieved something Ablett never did by earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
Miller played the best game of his short career on Saturday, combining brilliantly with his skipper to almost will the Suns over the line in a fighting 15-point loss to Greater Western Sydney.
He collected 27 touches and booted two goals, while the Little Master was at his freakish best with 30 disposals, 17 tackles and three majors.
"It's a bit surreal (playing with Ablett), to be honest with you," Miller told AFL.com.au.
"I was doing a (video) edit before and there was myself, Peter Wright, Gaz and (Michael) Rischitelli in the midfield.
"Pete and I played at Calder Cannons together last year and all of a sudden he's rucking to me and Gaz."
Miller, who has played every game this year, felt his teammates' confidence rise once the dual Brownlow medallist returned from a shoulder injury – culminating in an upset win over North Melbourne in round 14.
"I remember the first game he came back, you could just tell the whole team had lifted," he said.
"He's a really good role model out on the ground and he talks you through a lot of stuff.
"He can be hard on you, which is also good. I really enjoy playing with him.
"He's got that bit of aura about him that gives the team the confidence to take the game on."
Being bold and attacking is something Miller is striving to get better at.
The 178cm on-baller – taken with pick 29 in last year's draft – is renowned for his ferocious tackling, and ranks second at the club for tackles (69) behind Rischitelli (89).
That earned him a spot early in the year and coach Rodney Eade has kept backing former Vic Metro captain.
"My first couple of games probably weren't too crash hot and he kept me in the side," Miller said.
"I feel like I've probably taken my opportunity ... but I would never have pictured this time last year I would've played so many games.
"I want to start moving more offensive (with my football). I'm trying to hit the scoreboard a bit more and get on the end of a few uncontested possessions."
While Gold Coast has endured a tough season on and off the field, Miller has no doubt 2015 is just a blip on the rising Suns' radar.
"Everyone's really hard on each other and things get put in place for a reason, so the club's really going in the right direction, from my view," he said.
"Rocket's a really good coach, he's really supportive of everyone and he's got faith in the team.
"I can't see why we won't be up the ladder next year."
• Who's your tip for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star? Vote at the Rising Star hub
