GOLD Coast has extended the contract of impressive first-year midfielder Touk Miller until the end of 2017.
Miller, one of just four players to have played every game for the Suns in 2015, has committed for a further season on top of his existing contract.
Taken with the No.29 pick in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, Miller has averaged 17 disposals and five tackles during his first seven matches.
The 19-year-old has played a mix of small forward and midfield and been highly impressive with his mix of pace, agility and endurance.
"My footy has gone to another level under the direction of 'Rocket' (coach Rodney Eade) and the rest of the coaches, and I know with plenty of hard work ahead, I can continue that improvement over the next few seasons," Miller said.
Miller said extending for another season was an easy decision.
"I love the lifestyle, I love the coast," Miller said.
"It's good to be out of Melbourne, in a new environment. I'm the type of person that wherever I'm playing footy, I'm going to be happy."
In a bleak 1-6 win-loss start to Gold Coast's season, the former Calder Cannon and Vic Metro captain has been a huge plus for Rodney Eade's men.
His professionalism both off and on the field impressed the coaches and his teammates from the first day he walked into the club.
Dion Prestia, who is part of the Suns' leadership group, said Miller's impact was a great lesson not only for first-year players, but everyone on the list.
"He stood out straight away, just his work ethic … the way he was training was like he'd been here for a couple of years," Prestia said.
"He's our poster boy for putting pressure on in the forward line. Even on the weekend we were down 10 goals and he was still pushing back down the ground hard.
"That's what we love about Touk."
Miller said it had been a steep learning curve, particularly moving into the midfield in recent weeks to line up against some of the competition's biggest names.
"I try not to let the names daunt me too much," he said.
"People like (Matt) Priddis and (Joel) Selwood and (Rory) Sloane, I try to not let it get to my head or it can intimidate you.
"It's another learning curve though - they do things to you, body you out, and it's good to see the vision and learn from it.”