Mark Williams led the Power to its 2004 premiership against Brisbane, but worked with Albury's first-year co-coach at Greater Western Sydney and Richmond.

"A lot of the best coaches almost come from the school of hard knocks where they weren't the absolute best player, they understand what it is to struggle," Williams said.

"They have empathy with the whole list rather than maybe sticking or hanging with the stars."

Miles played 88 AFL games over nine seasons.

He played 10 at GWS (2012-13), 61 with Richmond (2014-18) and 17 at the Gold Coast (2019-20).

The 28-year-old finished fourth in Richmond's best and fairest in 2015, but struggled to break into the star-studded 2017-18 team, claiming successive reserves best and fairests, as well as the VFL's J.J Liston Trophy in 2018.

"He got the absolute best out of his ability and to get into the side and play some really good games, especially at Richmond, where it was a premiership team (2017) and tough to get into, I'm very proud of what he's done," Williams said.

"He has a hard edge about him, he plays tough, he doesn't whinge, he just gets on with the job, and he's very efficient in what he does, he's always open to learning and puts in the hours to get better."

And Williams, who now coaches VFL outfit Werribee, says Miles is not only a hard worker, he understands the game.

"He's smart, he understands what people are doing and he's also a sponge when it comes to information, so he likes that bit from that person and that bit from that person and you add it all together and it becomes a collective of what he believes in," he said.

"That's what the best players and coaches do, they don't sit on their own ideas, they keep searching for others.

"Also, his knowledge around stoppages is outstanding and how midfields work."

Miles displayed those talents during his best two years at the Tigers in 2014-15.

He averaged 24.4 disposals in that first season and was second in total clearances, despite playing only 13 games.

Miles improved that statistic the following year, leading the clearances with 135, and was the Tigers' best in their elimination final loss to North Melbourne.

He will join Luke Daly as Albury's co-coach, who is also in his first full year in the job, given he took over with club stalwart Tom McGrath in the early rounds of 2019.

With COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of this year's competition, Albury's rare straight sets demise in 2019 has been somewhat forgotten.

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However, the Tigers certainly haven't as they look to regain their powerhouse status.

The club's also signed former Carlton and Melbourne forward Jeff Garlett.