GARY Ablett produced his best performance of 2015, but it wasn't the stats that impressed Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade.

The Suns skipper put together a 30 disposal, nine clearance, three goal, 17 tackle masterclass in the 16-point loss against GWS, yet Eade found his best trait elsewhere.

Now in his fifth season as Gold Coast captain, Ablett's leadership has gone to another level according to his coach.

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In a turbulent season for the Suns, the dual Brownlow medallist has been challenged by both Eade and his teammates to be more demanding, and the little master has responded.

"I thought his game was terrific," Eade said.

"People talk about his leadership, and I don't want to bang on about it, but he's really grown in that area.

"His ability and willingness to direct his teammates and demand more from his teammates, and they're happy to demand more from him."

WATCH: Rodney Eade's full press conference

The 17 tackles marked a career-high for Ablett, eclipsing his previous best of 14 against Fremantle in 2011.

Copping a close tag from Stephen Coniglio for most of the day, Ablett's all-round game put a smile on Eade's face.

"Seventeen tackles … it just shows he's not just an offensive player," Eade said.

Although the loss was "disappointing" after falling during the fourth quarter for a second week in succession, Ablett's form wasn't the only plus for the Suns.

First-year player Touk Miller continued his stellar debut season with a career-high 27 disposals (including a match-high 18 contested), nine clearances, two goals and three goal assists.

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Miller was taken at No.29 in last year's AFL Draft and has played every game this season.

Eade said his progress was no surprise.

"He's so good around the ball, his ability to negate the opposition, put pressure on and win the ball back in that body situation in tight is terrific," Eade said.

"He's got such a great attitude.

At the start of the year he showed up a lot of players in the way you train and go about it, and he's actually led the way."

Touk Miller, with Alex Sexton, continues to impress in his debut year. Picture: AFL Media