The 'humble freak' St Kilda love and want to keep
Wanganeen-Milera wrote himself into St Kilda folklore at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Saints to the biggest three-quarter-time comeback - 46 points - in VFL/AFL history.
The silky 22-year-old kicked the final two goals in just 14 seconds of game time as St Kilda pinched a remarkable six-point victory over Melbourne.
Wanganeen-Milera's soaring mark over Demons forward Bayley Fritsch to set up the game-equalling goal even prompted an emotional reaction of disbelief from usually solemn Saints coach Ross Lyon.
Clark, who also produced some important moments late against Melbourne, was in awe at what Wanganeen-Milera achieved.
"He's obviously got a really big decision, and he'll do what's best for himself, and there'll be no hard feelings either way," Clark told AAP.
"Obviously we'd love him to stay forever; he's going to be, if he's not already, up there for one of the best players in the competition.
"He's only 22 so I think his future is going to be so bright and he deserves everything that comes his way."
Wanganeen-Milera remains unsigned for next season as he contemplates massive offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to play back in his home state.
He was drafted with pick 11 out of Glenelg in 2021, playing 82 games for the Saints.
St Kilda have also thrown a big contract in front of him as arguably the key player in the club's rebuild and bid for an elusive second premiership.
Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play against the Demons due to a stye in his eye.
The club doctor called Lyon early on Sunday morning to let him know his best player was in doubt, but Wanganeen-Milera reassured his coach he would be fine.
"He's an absolute freak," Clark said of his teammate's skill. "But he's such a good man.
"The way he plays, almost you'd expect him to just be this real out there character, like he probably has every right to just strut around.
"But he's the most humble bloke you'll come across.
"He's an absolute freak of a talent, but he works as hard as anyone. It's not all just what you see on the field.
"He's absolute star, and I think he's made for those moments."
After just their second win since the start of May, St Kilda can take confidence out of their Marvel miracle into 2026.
"If we can just finish the year strong, just keep getting experience into everyone and keep growing," Clark said.
"Then just get to work over the summer.
"It's not just going to happen in a day.
"I see a lot of the teams over the last few years, it can take five or six years until you have gone through s**t, until you get there."
St Kilda want Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to stay "forever" but Saints teammate Hunter Clark says there will be no hard feelings if the matchwinning star returns to South Australia.
Wanganeen-Milera wrote himself into St Kilda folklore at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Saints to the biggest three-quarter-time comeback - 46 points - in VFL/AFL history.
The silky 22-year-old kicked the final two goals in just 14 seconds of game time as St Kilda pinched a remarkable six-point victory over Melbourne.
Wanganeen-Milera's soaring mark over Demons forward Bayley Fritsch to set up the game-equalling goal even prompted an emotional reaction of disbelief from usually solemn Saints coach Ross Lyon.
Clark, who also produced some important moments late against Melbourne, was in awe at what Wanganeen-Milera achieved.
"He's obviously got a really big decision, and he'll do what's best for himself, and there'll be no hard feelings either way," Clark told AAP.
"Obviously we'd love him to stay forever; he's going to be, if he's not already, up there for one of the best players in the competition.
"He's only 22 so I think his future is going to be so bright and he deserves everything that comes his way."
Wanganeen-Milera remains unsigned for next season as he contemplates massive offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to play back in his home state.
He was drafted with pick 11 out of Glenelg in 2021, playing 82 games for the Saints.
St Kilda have also thrown a big contract in front of him as arguably the key player in the club's rebuild and bid for an elusive second premiership.
Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play against the Demons due to a stye in his eye.
The club doctor called Lyon early on Sunday morning to let him know his best player was in doubt, but Wanganeen-Milera reassured his coach he would be fine.
"He's an absolute freak," Clark said of his teammate's skill. "But he's such a good man.
"The way he plays, almost you'd expect him to just be this real out there character, like he probably has every right to just strut around.
"But he's the most humble bloke you'll come across.
"He's an absolute freak of a talent, but he works as hard as anyone. It's not all just what you see on the field.
"He's absolute star, and I think he's made for those moments."
After just their second win since the start of May, St Kilda can take confidence out of their Marvel miracle into 2026.
"If we can just finish the year strong, just keep getting experience into everyone and keep growing," Clark said.
"Then just get to work over the summer.
"It's not just going to happen in a day.
"I see a lot of the teams over the last few years, it can take five or six years until you have gone through s**t, until you get there."
St Kilda want Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to stay "forever" but Saints teammate Hunter Clark says there will be no hard feelings if the matchwinning star returns to South Australia.
Wanganeen-Milera wrote himself into St Kilda folklore at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Saints to the biggest three-quarter-time comeback - 46 points - in VFL/AFL history.
The silky 22-year-old kicked the final two goals in just 14 seconds of game time as St Kilda pinched a remarkable six-point victory over Melbourne.
Wanganeen-Milera's soaring mark over Demons forward Bayley Fritsch to set up the game-equalling goal even prompted an emotional reaction of disbelief from usually solemn Saints coach Ross Lyon.
Clark, who also produced some important moments late against Melbourne, was in awe at what Wanganeen-Milera achieved.
"He's obviously got a really big decision, and he'll do what's best for himself, and there'll be no hard feelings either way," Clark told AAP.
"Obviously we'd love him to stay forever; he's going to be, if he's not already, up there for one of the best players in the competition.
"He's only 22 so I think his future is going to be so bright and he deserves everything that comes his way."
Wanganeen-Milera remains unsigned for next season as he contemplates massive offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to play back in his home state.
He was drafted with pick 11 out of Glenelg in 2021, playing 82 games for the Saints.
St Kilda have also thrown a big contract in front of him as arguably the key player in the club's rebuild and bid for an elusive second premiership.
Wanganeen-Milera, who had a game-high 34 disposals alongside his match-winning four goals, was in doubt to play against the Demons due to a stye in his eye.
The club doctor called Lyon early on Sunday morning to let him know his best player was in doubt, but Wanganeen-Milera reassured his coach he would be fine.
"He's an absolute freak," Clark said of his teammate's skill. "But he's such a good man.
"The way he plays, almost you'd expect him to just be this real out there character, like he probably has every right to just strut around.
"But he's the most humble bloke you'll come across.
"He's an absolute freak of a talent, but he works as hard as anyone. It's not all just what you see on the field.
"He's absolute star, and I think he's made for those moments."
After just their second win since the start of May, St Kilda can take confidence out of their Marvel miracle into 2026.
"If we can just finish the year strong, just keep getting experience into everyone and keep growing," Clark said.
"Then just get to work over the summer.
"It's not just going to happen in a day.
"I see a lot of the teams over the last few years, it can take five or six years until you have gone through s**t, until you get there."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
37 minutes ago
- ABC News
Jack Silvagni's free agency has 'antennas up' around the AFL, says Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge
Luke Beveridge admits every club's "antenna" goes up when valuable free agents become available but has declined to elaborate on the Western Bulldogs' pursuit of Jack Silvagni. A third-generation Carlton player, Silvagni is weighing up a move away after meeting with the Blues' fiercest rivals Collingwood and Essendon. The Bulldogs also have strong interest in the 27-year-old to rectify some of their defensive issues. When questioned about Silvagni, Beveridge didn't want to be caught up in the same situation that engulfed Craig McRae last week. The Magpies coach was criticised by his friend and former Brisbane Lions teammate, Carlton counterpart Michael Voss, for openly discussing meeting with Silvagni. "I think with any free agent like Jack, every club's antenna is up," Beveridge said on Thursday. "But, I've always maintained the line of not talking about who we're chatting with behind the scenes, just purely out of respect for our playing group. "Some of our lads are still uncontracted, they don't need to be thinking too much about who might take their spot. "And, also probably out of respect for someone like Jack … in that he's got to spend time at his current club, if he is planning to move on." Beveridge mentioned he couldn't be called a "hypocrite", referencing his discussion of Gold Coast star Matt Rowell. Prior to Rowell being officially confirmed to be staying at the Suns earlier this year, Beveridge spoke about how he had tried to woo the star midfielder. But when making those comments, Beveridge already knew Rowell would be staying at Gold Coast and the Bulldogs' pursuit of the former number one pick had failed. "Everyone knew that we had met with Matthew because he was thinking of coming back to Melbourne," Beveridge said. But Beveridge made a strong plea to keep swingman Buku Khamis at the Whitten Oval. Khamis's manager this week spoke about exploring his options as he is desperate for a more permanent role at AFL level. The 25-year-old has played 14 games this season, the last two coming more than a month ago when he was used as the sub. Khamis said earlier in the year he saw himself as a defender, but has been used more up forward this year. "We meet a lot of beautiful people in life, but he is one of the great people, Buku Khamis," Beveridge said. "We'd be saddened to lose him. He has become an influential player. "The balance of our team, playing one more key position player at the moment, our sort of current ideology is that's not going to suit what we want to do. "He is contracted (for 2026), so we're not going to want to lose him. "If he's the next picked key position player at either end, it's very unlikely we're going to want to let him go. "We'll continue to work through that with him." AAP
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Luke Beveridge silent on Jack Silvagni interest as he talks up Western Bulldogs defensive improvements
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is adamant the defensive tweaks his team continues to make will enhance their premiership credentials while reluctant to divulge whether Carlton's Jack Silvagni would join the backline in 2026. The Bulldogs have been linked to off-contract Silvagni, son of Carlton legend Stephen, along with Collingwood and Essendon. While Magpies coach Craig McRae confirmed he had a 'first date' with Silvagni and Essendon coach Brad Scott also reportedly met with the 27-year-old at his house, Beveridge was less inclined to detail his club's reported pursuit 'I think with any free agent like Jack, every club's antenna is up,' Beveridge said on Thursday. 'But I've always maintained the line of not talking about who we're chatting with behind the scenes, just purely out of respect for our playing group. 'Some of our lads (are) still uncontracted, they don't need to be thinking too much about who might take their spot. 'And also probably out of respect for someone like Jack ... in that he's got to spend time at his current club, if he is planning to move on.' Silvagni could add to a defensive set-up that Beveridge said had improved significantly in recent weeks after heavy criticism when the Bulldogs conceded an average of nearly 14 goals a game from rounds 17-20, a period that included losses to top-four teams Adelaide and Brisbane. But the Dogs limited GWS to just six goals last weekend, while maintaining the AFL's best offence, which averages more than 108 points a game, with twin towers Aaron Naughton (50 goals) and Sam Darcy (43) in red-hot form. 'The promising thing is, we were No.1 in defence going into the finals last year and we're tinkering with it,' Beveridge said. 'We've had a couple of good weeks, defensively we have been pretty sound. Keeping the Giants to that low score is evidence we can do it. 'But the really promising thing is our scoring. We're significantly ahead of the rest of the pack, and that's exciting, not just for now but for the future. 'I think we have eked out way up to seventh on aggregate defensively and No.1 offensively. If we can now knock a few over, in a few weeks' time it will look pretty healthy.' The ninth-placed Bulldogs have to beat Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG and then win the final two games against West Coast and Fremantle to secure a finals spot. Beveridge forecast a continuation of young star Darcy rucking less to ensure the Bulldogs remained strong offensively, with defender Rory Lobb slated to be back-up to Tim English. 'He's pivotal in that, and he's a pretty good ruckman, Lobby,' Beveridge said. 'We've got to strike the right balance.'
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
AFL champion Jason Dunstall says Nathan Buckley is ‘missing coaching'
A return to coaching for Collingwood great Nathan Buckley is growing momentum after a strong endorsement from another AFL champion. Buckley on Wednesday morning declared he would take a phone call from Melbourne in the wake of it sacking premiership coach Simon Goodwin on Monday night. The former Collingwood coach said he had a desire to coach again and labelled the Demons 'a compelling case'. 'I would take the call, I would have a chat, but a lot would have to fall into place to leave this position of comfort I have found,' Buckley told SEN on Wednesday. 'It's there (the desire to coach) – otherwise it would be an easy no. I can't lie – when (Tuesday) happened I knew this would all come around again.' Buckley was linked to Tasmania earlier this year and he has been raised for almost every vacant position since his exit from the Magpies in 2021. On Thursday, AFL champion Jason Dunstall said Buckley was 'missing coaching' and expected his return was only a matter of time. 'Bucks would take a call from anyone, I would think,' Dunstall said after being inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. 'I have a feeling he's missing coaching, he loves it and he's so intense about it. 'I suspect he'll be spoken to by a number of clubs. Next year? I don't know, but he will be in the coaches' box again, I am pretty comfortable of that.' Buckley coached the Magpies between 2012 and 2021 after his 280-game playing career.
