Lack of egos an upside for Suns

GOLD Coast midfielder Touk Miller says Geelong may boast superstar quality in its midfield, but he believes a balanced Suns group with no ego can topple the Cats at Metricon Stadium tomorrow.

Former Gold Coast player Gary Ablett headlines a list of elite Geelong midfield talent, also including Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood, set to take on the Suns in their first game back at home.

Miller said it firmed as the biggest challenge of his career, but for all of Geelong’s heavy hitters, the midfielder is fearless in the face of the challenge.

“They have a ridiculous amount of quality and I really highly respect all the players that play through there, so we are just going to have to bring our best footy,” Miller said.

“The challenge couldn’t be bigger, so I’m keen for it.

“From an experience point of view, in terms of what they have and the level their players can play at, it will be one of the biggest challenges we have had. But I have no dramas in saying our midfield group can get it done.”

Geelong has names, but the numbers show a different story as the 15th-placed Suns, boasting a better record in the centre than their rivals, prepare to take on the sixthplaced Cats.

Gold Coast’s midfield averages more clearances (39.3/36.6), centre clearances (11.1/9.4) and stoppage wins (28.2/27.2) than Geelong and Miller said the Suns’ lack of star power may have contributed.

“There is no ego in our midfield group,” Miller said.

“The number of wins don’t show much, but I do know as a core midfield group the numbers we produce are quite good.

“I’m not saying having superstars is a bad thing, but the fact we are all around the same level and can be cohesive works really well for us. There is no hierarchy in the squad.

“We are balanced and have shared experiences.”

Miller has spent time tagging opposition players, most notably Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko, this season and said he was prepared to shut down former teammate Ablett should he need to.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he did get off the leash and there wouldn’t be a better challenge then going to play on him,” Miller said.

“I won’t shy away from the way I play and if I do happen to go to him then I’ll lock him out of the game.”