Ross Lyon Slams Hateful Trolls After Racist Abuse of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
In the lead-up to a much-anticipated clash between St Kilda and Geelong, an alarming issue has taken centre stage—racism in sport. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, a rising star for the Saints, was targeted with disgusting racial abuse online following the team's loss to the Sydney Swans last weekend. This vile behavior, reportedly linked to online betting outcomes surrounding the 22-year-old’s disposal count, has ignited strong reactions from the football community.
St Kilda’s head coach, Ross Lyon, didn’t mince his words when speaking out against the abuse. He described it as “hate, vehement and disgusting,” calling not just for condemnation but for a shift in the way we talk about online racial abuse. According to Lyon, “It’s more than racism—it’s hate.” And he’s right. When anonymous trolls hide behind screens to tear down athletes, particularly young Indigenous players like Wanganeen-Milera and Port Adelaide’s Jase Burgoyne, it reveals a toxic undercurrent that goes beyond poor sportsmanship.
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Lyon urged the community, the AFL, and society at large not to be passive. “The standards you walk past are the standards you accept,” he said. That’s a powerful message—not just for footy fans, but for all of us. Ignoring these moments allows them to become normalized. Calling them out sends a message that hate has no place in sport or anywhere else.
Despite the hate directed at him, Wanganeen-Milera has carried himself with composure and strength. Coach Lyon praised his resilience, saying, “Nothing fazes Nas.” That kind of mental toughness is inspiring, especially when considering he’s currently out of contract and attracting strong interest from rival clubs. Even with the spotlight on him, he’s focused, level-headed, and continues to play top-tier football.
The AFL has condemned the remarks, calling them “abhorrent” and launching an investigation into the matter. This response is crucial, but it must be the beginning, not the end. Structural change and consistent enforcement of anti-racism measures are needed to truly shift the culture.
This situation is not just about one game, one player, or one moment—it’s about what we value in our sports and our society. Wanganeen-Milera’s grace under pressure and Ross Lyon’s passionate defence of his player serve as reminders that integrity, respect, and unity must always triumph over hate.
As the Saints prepare to face the Cats at Kardinia Park, one thing is clear: they’ll be playing for more than just points. They’ll be playing for pride, resilience, and the kind of culture we should all strive to uphold.
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