In-form Gold Coast defender Touk Miller has tried his best to take the high ground after getting the cold shoulder and some choice words from Brisbane opponent Dayne Zorko.

But the best on ground in the Suns’ frantic five-point AFL derby win couldn’t resist a swipe at the out of sorts All-Australian, who had told Miller to “f*** off” when he went to shake his hand after the game on Sunday.

Zorko’s behaviour earned the ire of Essendon great Matthew Lloyd at the time, who labelled it an embarrassing act.

Speaking on Monday, Miller did his best to shrug off the incident but admitted it was nice to know he had got under the star midfielder’s skin.

“It’s not really my concern,” Miller said.

“Everyone’s really competitive and sometimes it’s just a match of footy and people forget that.

“A bit of sportsmanship would have gone a long way, but in saying that it’s not much of my concern.”

The Lions released a statement on Monday saying Zorko had been frustrated after the siren and “if he had his time over again he would act differently”.

The frustration was clear to see as Miller won the battle at the Gabba. His heavy tagging kept Zorko to 10 disposals as the Lion also gave away six free kicks – twice as many as any other player on the ground.

Miller’s desperate defence was summed up by an incredible diving spoil late in the final quarter as the Lions surged but failed to overrun the visitors.

He admitted the plan had been to agitate Zorko, who has averaged just 16 disposals per game in the Lions’ 0-5 start.

“It was a super challenge, I probably came out on top but it was a great battle,” he said.

“I guess after four quarters when you hit someone that many times it probably pays off down the track.

“It’s a competitive game and he wanted to win as much as we did and it gets fiery sometimes.

“You could say the game plan worked in that regard.”

The improved Suns are one of eight clubs with a 3-2 record, but bring up the tail of those to sit 11th on percentage ahead of Saturday’s trip to Adelaide.