St Kilda has secured the signature of one of the AFL’s brightest stars, with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera signing a landmark two-year, $4 million extension that cements him as the league’s first $2 million-a-year player.
The deal, which runs through to the end of 2027, makes Wanganeen-Milera the highest-paid domestic footballer in Australia and represents a major statement of intent from the Saints as they aim to build a premiership-contending list around their young core.
What makes the signing even more significant is the level of competition for his services. Port Adelaide reportedly tabled a staggering $30 million, 12-year contract, while Adelaide also made a strong pitch. In the end, Wanganeen-Milera chose loyalty over money, reaffirming his commitment to the club that drafted him. His manager, Ben Williams, revealed that St Kilda presented multiple options, including long-term extensions, but the 22-year-old opted for a shorter deal, allowing him to reassess his future while still maximising his immediate value.
Wanganeen-Milera has been one of the standout performers of the 2025 season, averaging over 30 disposals per game, leading the league in total kicks, and booting a career-high 17 goals. His most memorable moment came during St Kilda’s dramatic comeback against Melbourne, where he kicked two final-minute goals, including the after-the-siren match-winner, sealing one of the greatest turnarounds in AFL history.
For the Saints, the contract represents more than just money—it’s a sign of their belief that Wanganeen-Milera is central to their push for success under coach Ross Lyon. For the player, it is a reward for his rapid rise, a reflection of his market value, and an opportunity to shape the club’s future on and off the field.
In an era where player movement and big-money deals dominate headlines, Wanganeen-Milera’s decision to stay at St Kilda sends a powerful message: loyalty and ambition can coexist with history-making contracts.
