'Would not have made it up': Wilson triples down on Wanganeen-Milera's 'grave misgivings' about Adelaide trade request
Leading AFL journalist Caroline Wilson remains staunch on her report that St Kilda defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has 'grave misgivings' about requesting a trade to Adelaide, due to the racism suspension served by Taylor Walker in 2021.
After her initial reporting of the story on Monday, the St Kilda star's manager came out and said there was no truth to it.
Wilson then doubled down, saying the manager was not in a place to actually know what Wanganeen-Milera was telling those around him.
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Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera of the Saints. Getty
However, it was then reported that the out of contract defender called Walker directly, to reassure him that the story was untrue.
Wanganeen-Milera has been strongly linked with a move home to either South Australian club and will be considering offers worth well over $1m per season.
When asked about the severe backlash to her story, Wilson stood by her reporting on Saturday afternoon.
"I'm well aware that when I go with a story like this that I open myself up because I probably did put pressure on Wanganeen-Milera," Wilson told 3AW.
"He has said to friends and colleagues that he has grave misgivings about playing for the Adelaide Crows because of what happened (with Walker) in 2021.
Walker received a six-game ban over a racist comment in 2021. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"Now, I know that his manager would not have been aware of that. I've spoken to the Crows who say it is not right.
"I know the Crows have presented to Nasiah. In fact, I'm told it was probably the best presentation of the three he has received.
"He's been offered long term deals. I think eight years by Port, eight to 10 years by the Crows and St Kilda would obviously give him a long term deal.
"St Kilda is very confident it will keep him. They're aware of this situation with the Crows, as is Port Adelaide, as are a lot of Nasiah's friends and community.
"So, I don't know what more I can say. I can also understand why, if that's correct, that he has called Tex Walker, I can understand why he would do that after my report because it probably made him feel extremely uncomfortable.
"But I can only report what I said and I would not have made it up. It's absolutely correct."
The star defender was excellent despite St Kilda's 72-point loss to the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, picking up 31 deposals and kicking a goal.
