Ben Miller has been a slow burn at Richmond.

Drafted by the Tigers at pick 63 overall in the 2017 AFL national draft from WAFL club Subiaco, Miller didn’t make his senior debut until the final home-and-away round of the 2021 season.

He played 11 senior games the following season and 13 last year in a variety of roles without establishing himself as a permanent member of Richmond’s main line-up.

This season, however, Miller is thriving under the guidance of new Tigers coach Adem Yze, who has locked the athletic, tall 24-year-old into a permanent key-defensive role.

Miller has played an AFL equal-high 13 games already in 2024 and his statistical numbers are significantly higher than previous seasons.

He is averaging 12.4 disposals (8.4 his best previously), 6.4 marks (2.7 previously), 5.2 intercepts (3.5), 3.7 rebound-50s (2.3), 9.1 one-percenters (6.3) and 243.1 metres gained per match (133.9).

Competition-wide, he is ranked fourth for total one-percenters.

Miller’s performance against Carlton at the MCG yesterday would have to be the best of his AFL career to date.

Opposed to the Blues’ superstar spearhead Charlie Curnow, Miller restricted the dual Coleman Medallist to just seven disposals and two goals.

It was a huge effort by Miller, who showcased his agility, closing speed and increased capacity to win one-on-one contests.

He finished the match with 14 disposals, six marks, eight intercepts, six rebound-50s, four score involvements, a game-high 12 one-percenters and 304 metres gained, underlining his ability to combine tight defence and valuable offense.

It also highlighted why he is Richmond’s most improved player in season 2024, and one of the most improved across the competition.