Wanganeen-Milera Turns Down SA Return, Commits to Saints in Record Deal
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has made one of the biggest contract calls in recent AFL history, choosing loyalty to St Kilda over a return home to South Australia. The 22-year-old star midfielder has officially signed a two-year extension with the Saints, a deal that is set to make him the first AFL player to earn $2 million in a single season.
This decision has stunned many, given that both Adelaide and Port Adelaide had been circling for months, putting forward massive offers in an attempt to lure him back. But in the end, Wanganeen-Milera decided his future lies in red, white and black. His choice doesn’t just strengthen St Kilda—it also gives the AFL a boost in its fight to maintain parity across the league, at a time when the balance between the top and bottom clubs is under heavy scrutiny.
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Wanganeen-Milera’s rise this season has been nothing short of spectacular. Shifting from the wing and half-back into a full-time midfield role, he has become a force, averaging more than 30 disposals per game while also leading the league in kicks and metres gained. His individual brilliance has him in line for All-Australian selection for the first time, and he is already tipped to claim St Kilda’s best and fairest award. Some experts even believe he could feature strongly in the Brownlow Medal count.
For Wanganeen-Milera, the decision was about more than money. He spoke about the special connection he feels every time he puts on the Saints guernsey. He described the support he’s received from teammates and staff, not just in developing as a footballer but in growing as a person. Representing his family, his culture, and the club is something he says he holds close every time he runs out. Staying, he explained, gives him the chance to keep improving and to help build something long-lasting with a tight-knit group that shares a clear vision.
St Kilda’s football boss David Misson called the decision a huge vote of confidence in the club’s culture and direction. He described Wanganeen-Milera as a well-loved figure within the team and said his recommitment was brilliant news for everyone connected to the Saints—from the playing group through to the supporters.
But while this extension is a massive win, it also puts pressure on the club. The two-year window means St Kilda must prove it can build a genuine contender around him. The Saints have already been active in targeting Carlton’s Tom De Koning and GWS defender Leek Aleer, but the success of those moves—and how the team performs—will go a long way in determining whether Wanganeen-Milera stays beyond 2027.
Right now, though, the Saints have their superstar locked in. In a league where retaining talent has become harder than ever, this signing isn’t just about keeping a player—it’s about keeping hope alive for a St Kilda side desperate to climb back into AFL relevance. Wanganeen-Milera has made his call, and it’s a game-changer.
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