Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has signed an agreement with St Kilda, rejecting strong interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide by agreeing to a two-year contract. The contract makes him the first AFL player to receive AU$2 million per annum.
Contract Decision Ends Major Speculation
The future of the 22-year-old was the most highly awaited call of a contract for the season. Adelaide and Port Adelaide had chased the midfielder, but both clubs lacked the trade capital to make it happen. The fact that he has chosen to stay at St Kilda gives the Saints a great boost.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera celebrates after a standout performance for St Kilda
Wanganeen-Milera’s manager, Ben Williams, confirmed the signing on Monday following the club’s last-round negotiations. The agreement runs through until 2027, keeping the rising star on at least two more seasons.
Emotional Announcement at Saints Meeting
The news was announced in a unique fashion at a players’ gathering, with teammate Bradley Hill’s seven-year-old daughter Harriet reading out the signing. The celebrations were orchestrated by coach Ross Lyon, who declared his pleasure at securing the club’s best player.
Bradley Hill’s daughter Harriet helped break the contract news to teammates
St Kilda president Andrew Bassat and list manager Stephen Silvagni had previously met with Williams to ensure St Kilda made its offer as attractive as possible. The persistence was rewarded when Wanganeen-Milera confirmed his commitment.
Player Statement on Commitment
Speaking in a statement released by the club, Wanganeen-Milera expressed pride in continuing at St Kilda. He said he appreciated being able to represent his family, culture, and teammates when he ran out onto the ground playing in the club’s colours.
The midfielder acknowledged there are still areas of his game which require improvement. He said Moorabbin remains the right place for his continuing improvement and development among supportive teammates and staff.
Breakout Season Performance
Draftee No.11 back in 2021, Wanganeen-Milera has posted a coming-of-age season since being transitioned from half-back to the midfield. His pace and skillset have made him one of the league’s most exciting players.
Averaging 30.2 disposals, three clearances, and 6.4 score involvements per game while kicking 17 goals, a four-goal haul against Melbourne – including the match-winner goals – further cemented his reputation as a game-changer.
The midfielder’s four-goal game against Melbourne underlined his breakout season
Reaction by Club and Competition
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon with football boss David Misson after Wanganeen-Milera’s contract decision
St Kilda’s Football Executive General Manager David Misson also termed the signing a clear indication of nasiah the confidence in the nasiah direction and the culture of the club. He further added Wanganeen-Milera is highly in tune with teammates and fans and his move will be a positive thing for the entire nasiah club.
Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee, whose side had been working hard to secure the star, also had his say. He nasiah described Wanganeen-Milera as an elite footballer any team would want on their list.
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Moorabbin Planning Ahead
Although Wanganeen-Milera’s deal provides security, St Kilda is still looking for more list upgrades. nasiah Carlton unrestricted free agent Tom De Koning has a seven-year offer worth AU$1.7 million a year reportedly waiting for him on the Saints’ table.
The club is also pursuing GWS defender Leek Aleer and is in a bid to retain experienced players Marcus Windhager and Rowan Marshall. St Kilda’s finals-less season cannot and will not deter the club from improving its list around its newly re-signed superstar.
