The Saints Have Won the Battle Not the War

The question at hand is, if Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera saw his future at St Kilda, why only two years?

Well, it’s simple, it’s a PR Master move.

St Kilda gave him every opportunity, every chance, every request granted to sign on for longer, but he did not.

On paper it looks like the Saints secured a cornerstone of their future, but in reality, it is less of a commitment and instead a carefully calculated public relations manoeuvre.

Image: AFL Images

Locking himself into the shortest extension available, that being two years speaks volumes. It portrays loyalty, and buys him time, but leaves the door as ajar as ever for a blockbuster move when his value is even higher.

For the next two seasons, trade speculations will be muted, and the Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera brand remains in good will and devoted.

This move may not be about security, instead about optics.

Have Saints fans had a happier day in a decade after Wanganeen-Milera inked the record-breaking deal?

That speaks directly to this genius career decision and its future implications.

When this contract expires, Wanganeen-Milera will still be just 24 and entering the ripe stage of his career.

Image: AFL Photos

If Adelaide or Port Adelaide were willing to table ludicrous offers in 2025, imagine the frenzy in 2027 if he hits the market again.

His family ties to South Australia are strong, and the lure of returning home is not going away anytime soon.

There is one way Nasiah seriously considers the long-term plan in Moorabbin… a premiership contending team is built around him within two seasons.

St Kilda fans should enjoy the next two seasons but make no mistake; this is a holding pattern. Wanganeen-Milera is keeping the Saints competitive and his reputation clean, but his long-term future almost certainly lies elsewhere.

However, the writing is on the wall, and with the conclusion of the 2027 season, the Saints grip on the most valuable player in the competition will dwindle.