Sophomore Saint Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has recommitted to St Kilda, inking a new two-year deal to remain at Moorabbin until the end of 2025.
The young South Australian was one of the last first-round selections from the 2021 National Draft to add to their two-year contracts, with Essendon's Ben Hobbs, Sydney's Angus Sheldrick and Lion Kai Lohmann yet to secure their future for next year.
While seen likely to gain interest from both SA clubs, Wanganeen-Milera has shown his faith in the Saints' cause with a fresh contract.
The Marion native has been a fundamental role player for the Saints since his inception at the club, taking on a role position in his debut campaign before calling Ross Lyon's rearguard home in 2023.
Speaking on Tuesday, Wanganeen-Milera said he was filled with pride to stay on with the Saints.
“I'm loving my time here at the Saints and am proud to sign on for another two years,” he told Saints Media.
“Obviously the lure to return home has been there, but I'm really confident with the direction the club is heading and want to be a part of it.
“I've made some strong friends at the club and have had some amazing mentors in Bradley Hill and Mason Wood show me the ropes, so I'm keen to see what comes next.”
St Kilda's acting footy boss David Misson claimed that securing the youngster's signature held more than just the club's backline in good stead.
“We're thrilled to have Nasiah recommit to the Saints,” Misson said.
“Nasiah's work ethic and talent speaks for itself and is something we are confident will only develop further as he spends more time in the senior side.
“He has impressed since moving to half-back this season under the guidance of Corey Enright, and while he's still in the infancy of his AFL career, we see Nasiah right at the heart of our club moving forward.
“Alongside guys like Mitch, Marcus, Mattaes Phillipou and Anthony Caminiti, our young core is really developing and adapting well to our process.”
After playing 17 senior games last year, Wanganeen-Milera has featured in all three of St Kilda's wins to start their new era under Lyon, with the No.11 draft selection averaging 18.67 possessions, 6.00 marks and 5.00 rebound 50s to see his numbers ascend this season.
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Wanganeen-Milera's re-signing sees the Saints have their top three selections from the 2021 count locked away for the yers to come, with Next Generation Academy graduates Marcus Windhager and Mitch Owens signing on the dotted line until the end of 2025 last July.
Their fourth selection from that haul, uncapped tall Oscar Adams, is among a bevy of Saints still off-contract this year, with free agent Jade Gresham, defensive pair Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield, wingman Dan McKenzie and veteran midfielder Seb Ross, among others, yet to learn their futures for 2024 and beyond.
St Kilda will look to extend their undefeated start to the 2023 season when they host Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night at 7:30pm (AEST).
