New dawn for Suns in AFL

Reckon Gold Coast’s Touk Miller is excited about making his AFL debut against Melbourne on Saturday?

The 19-year-old will be one of three Suns to make their first appearances at the top level against the Demons along with Adam Saad and Jarrod Garlett.

With off-season recruits Nick Malceski and Mitch Hallahan also named, the Suns’ will have five new faces in their line-up, the most they’ve had since their inaugural AFL match in round two, 2011.

Miller, pick 29 in last year’s draft, didn’t hold back when asked for his feeling on getting the nod from coach Rodney Eade.

“I’d say out of 10, about 100 at the moment,” Miller said.

“I’m pretty rapt at the moment and still trying to contain my excitement.

“I’m sure it’ll probably come out once the game starts.”

Miller said making his debut in round one had been his aim ever since he arrived at the Suns.

The midfielder was earmarked early in the pre-season to achieve that goal after a string of impressive performances in the NAB Challenge along with flatmate Garlett.

It’s been a much tougher road for Saad, a mature-aged rookie who was overlooked in three national drafts before the Suns picked him up at last November’s rookie draft.

Another Victorian import, Saad’s long-awaited AFL debut will also see the MCG taken over by the “Saady Army” as his friends and family enjoy the moment they’ve all been waiting for.

“I’ve ordered 100 tickets,” Saad said.

“I was going to order at least 200 but didn’t want to go overboard.

“At least 100, 110, of them will be there at the `G, so yeah, excited to play in front of them.

“Obviously it’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Missing out those previous years just makes it a bit sweeter. I just can’t wait for Saturday to come.”

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