Richmond’s fifth and final pick (No. 63 overall) in the 2017 AFL national draft, tall WA utility, Ben Miller, talks to ‘Roar Vision’ about his transition to Tigerland.
Draft night
“It was a nervous night sitting there with the family – mum and dad, my brother, nan, and my girlfriend. We didn’t have high hopes or anything, so we weren’t expecting too much, in case nothing happened. But it was a good night and, when it eventually came through, everyone was excited.”
Reaction to his name being read out
“The whole family went ballistic. Everyone started jumping up and down . . . We were trying to listen to what they were actually saying, but we didn’t really hear much after that.”
His playing attributes
“My strengths would probably be to create a contest down back because I’ve got a good, running vertical leap on me . . . And then just pace off the backline . . . be able to break through the lines, open up the game a bit more, and propel from the backline.”
Pressure associated with the pre-draft testing
“Doing it a few times in-a-row, you got used to the nerves . . . I set a few goals for myself and tried to reach them or even better them. And I did.”
How he fared during season 2017
“I played a fair few games in Kalgoorlie, where I’m from. And I played a fair few games at Subiaco (in the WAFL) as well. So there was a lot of travel each way trying to play games every weekend . . . By car it’s a seven-hour trip to Perth. So we’d come down on a Friday, then we’d play Saturday, and get back on a Sunday.”
Playing role model
“I like to think I play a little bit like Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn’s captain) . . . just the way how he’s so versatile around the ground and can go forward, maybe pinch-hit in the ruck every now and then, and could also play down back.”
Early days at Tigerland
“I was a bit nervous at the start, but it was exciting more than anything. Yesterday, the boys just showed us around and got us used to the facilities and stuff like that. And we met a lot of important people. It was good.”
Looking forward to the older Tigers starting pre-season
“Yeah, I can’t wait to meet all the older boys. There are a few really good players in there that I can’t wait to try and learn off . . .”
