In-demand Saints superstar makes call on AFL future
Anna Harrington |
Breakout star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will stay at St Kilda on a bumper two-year deal after rejecting huge interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
Wanganeen-Milera has become the AFL’s first player to earn $2 million per season in signing through to the end of 2027, in a huge boost to the Saints.
The 22-year-old had been cagey on his future, the most hotly-anticipated contract call this year, amid his breakout season, but has ultimately turned his back on monster long-term offers from both Adelaide clubs.
The South Australian was the major target for both Adelaide and Port, though neither realistically had the draft capital to appease the Saints in a trade this year.
The short-term contract means both clubs will almost certainly come again with fresh attempts to lure Wanganeen-Milera back to his home state, and with time to amass better trade capital.
But the deal also gives St Kilda the opportunity to show their young star, pivotal to their on-field fortunes, that Moorabbin is the place to be long term.
Had Wanganeen-Milera chosen to walk, it would have been a devastating blow for the Saints, whose fans had carried signs saying “we love you Nas” to recent home games.
Wanganeen-Milera, who was pick No.11 in the 2022 draft, has been moved from half-back into the midfield with devastating effect this season.
The silky-skilled star with a scintillating turn of pace has averaged 30.2 disposals, three clearances and 6.4 score involvements per game while kicking 17 goals, emerging as a genuine matchwinner.
That included a breathtaking four-goal performance against Melbourne, including the final two majors at the death to deliver a six-point victory.
Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee was among Power players who made direct pitches to Wanganeen-Milera.
“Congrats to him really, he’s an amazing player,” Rozee told reporters on Monday.
“Not only us, but I think every side in the competition would love to have a player like him.
“He has earnt every part of what is coming his way.”
With their main man locked in, St Kilda will continue to attempt to bolster their list around him.
The Saints have a huge seven-year contract in front of Carlton free agent Tom De Koning, with the ruckman expected to walk for close to $1.7 million per year, and are after GWS defender Leek Aleer.
Midfielder Marcus Windhager is yet to re-sign while popular ruckman Rowan Marshall appears no certainty to stay on.
St Kilda won’t play finals this season but are on a four-game winning streak ahead of facing the Giants away on Sunday.
AAP
