St Kilda Football Club has made an unprecedented offer to retain their star player, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, but uncertainty looms over his future. The club’s historic $1.4 million-per-season deal, the largest in its history, aims to secure the talented 22-year-old until the end of 2027. However, Wanganeen-Milera remains undecided, raising concerns among the Saints as the AFL season approaches its climax.
Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported on Channel 7 that the Saints are eager to lock in Wanganeen-Milera amid interest from clubs in his home state of South Australia. Despite the lucrative offer, the player’s manager, Ben Williams, has indicated that Wanganeen-Milera has not yet made a decision, a situation described by Wilson as a “great concern” for St Kilda.
St Kilda’s High Stakes Offer
The Saints’ offer to Wanganeen-Milera is a strategic move to retain a key player amid growing competition. The club’s willingness to break financial records underscores the importance they place on his contribution to the team. However, with just five weeks left in the regular season, the uncertainty surrounding his decision is palpable.
Wilson elaborated on the situation during a segment on Agenda Setters, stating,
“St Kilda has offered Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera more than they have offered any other player at that football club in its history. They seem to think a two-year deal is the best chance of keeping him.”
The potential departure of Wanganeen-Milera could be a significant blow to St Kilda, especially given the club’s recent struggles with player retention. Last year, they unexpectedly lost a player, and losing another key figure could exacerbate their challenges.
Challenges in Player Retention
If Wanganeen-Milera decides to return to South Australia, executing a trade could prove difficult. Adelaide’s first pick in the 2025 draft is currently at No. 16, while Port Adelaide lacks a first-round pick altogether. This complicates potential trade negotiations and adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Meanwhile, St Kilda’s pursuit of Carlton free agent Tom De Koning with a $1.7 million-a-season offer has added another dimension to the Wanganeen-Milera negotiations. Wilson noted that the De Koning bid might be influencing Wanganeen-Milera’s manager’s strategy, as he seeks the best possible deal for his client.
Internal Frustrations and Team Dynamics
Beyond Wanganeen-Milera, St Kilda is also dealing with internal challenges. Young player Darcy Wilson is reportedly frustrated after being sidelined to the VFL twice this season. AFL journalist Damian Barrett highlighted the “level of disharmony” within Wilson’s camp, noting that the narrative around his VFL appearances has been met with mixed reactions.
Barrett explained on Nine’s Footy Classified,
“There is a level of disharmony in certain aspects of his arrangements at St Kilda. He’s contracted for 2026, but there’s no movement beyond that particular period.”
Wilson’s situation reflects broader issues within the club, as they navigate player development and retention amid competitive pressures.
The Ruck Merry-Go-Round
In other AFL player movement news, Essendon has made a strategic offer to Sam Draper, including a trigger for a fifth year to match Brisbane’s offer. Meanwhile, Adelaide has intensified efforts to retain Reilly O’Brien by extending their offer to a three-year deal. These developments are part of the ongoing “ruck merry-go-round,” with clubs vying for key players to strengthen their rosters.
AFL journalist Callum Twomey provided insights on the situation, stating,
“My understanding is Brisbane has a five-year offer for him as well as a free agent. Also can say tonight the Bombers have a four-year deal that does have a trigger for a fifth season.”
As the AFL season progresses, these player movements and negotiations will continue to shape the landscape of the league, with clubs strategically positioning themselves for future success.
The coming weeks will be critical for St Kilda as they await Wanganeen-Milera’s decision and address internal challenges. The club’s ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge in the AFL.
