'How bloody good': Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera becomes AFL's first $2 million player with St Kilda contract extension
Updated . First published at
Fans and experts alike are shockingly on the same page, after the biggest contract in AFL history was handed out on Monday morning.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will become the AFL's first $2 million player after opting to re-sign with St Kilda on a two-year deal.
According to Nine's chief AFL reporter Tom Morris, the defender rejected as much as $30m over 12 years from Port Adelaide to make this short-term recommitment to the Saints.
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Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera of the Saints enjoys the win with fans during the round three AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Richmond Tigers at Marvel Stadium, on March 29, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images) Getty
The 22-year-old has been in exceptional form this season and attracted interest from plenty of rival clubs, but will remain with the Saints.
Wanganeen-Milera had been heavily linked with Port Adelaide and Adelaide, who were attempting to lure him back home to South Australia.
"From the moment I arrived at St Kilda, the staff and my teammates have supported me in every way, not just to be a better footballer, but a better person," he said.
"I know how special it is to pull on the red, white and black. Every time I run out, I'm representing my family, my culture and this club. That means everything to me.
"I've still got so much I want to improve in my game, and I know this is the right place for me to keep growing. I've got great people around me who push me to be better.
"I want to help create something long-lasting here. We've got a tight group and a clear direction, and I'm proud to be part of building that future."
Wanganeen-Milera is regarded as one of the game's elite players and turned down longer contracts at the Crows and Power to earn the big bucks right away, even if it means he is on a much shorter contract than what he could have landed elsewhere.
Outside of Adelaide and Port Adelaide diehards, the news has been pretty universally well received.
Former St Kilda star Jason Gram was among the ex-AFL players who took to social media in the aftermath.
Saints general manager of football David Misson described him as a "deeply connected member" of the squad as they strive for finals football in 2026.
"Nasiah's commitment to the club is a strong vote of confidence in not only the culture we've built, but in the future we're creating both on and off the field," he said.
"Nas is a well-loved and deeply connected member of our team. His decision to stay is brilliant news for the entire footy club, from the playing group to our loyal supporters.
"He's an incredibly exciting and talented footballer, and we're thrilled to watch him continue to develop as an integral part of our club."
St Kilda sit in 11th spot on the AFL ladder heading into the final round of the season, with Wanganeen-Milera playing a pivotal role in the side's nine victories - including the epic fourth-quarter comeback against the Melbourne Demons last month.
He will be the highest paid player in the AFL in 2026, and simultaneously the highest paid in a single season of all-time.
