St Kilda's desperation to land De Koning is driving up the price of the star they already have
The 22-year-old's brilliant season and knowledge of offers the Saints have made to prospective star recruits at other clubs, in particular De Koning has put Wanganeen-Milera in a strong negotiating position. It's expected De Koning will accept the $1.7 million a year St Kilda has offered him to join them in 2026.
The Saints have significantly upped their offer to Wanganeen-Milera since the start of the season to $1.4 million per season, according to two competition sources. His eye-catching form has resulted in a move from their original position and has him poised as a near-certainty to win the club best and fairest award.
The club's priority has become to retain the classy ball-carrier, who is a key part of the next generation of talented players at the Saints alongside Darcy Wilson, Mattaes Phillipou, Alix Tauru, Mitch Owens, Tobie Travaglia, the injured Max King and uncontracted pair Marcus Windhager and Max Hall.
The interested clubs are patiently waiting for him to decide where his future lies, with all parties accepting he will command more than $1 million per season wherever he plays.
St Kilda have significant space in their salary cap, and both South Australian clubs have capacity to accommodate a salary of that nature if he decides to move.
The greatest challenge if Wanganeen-Milera does decide to depart will be devising a trade that satisfies the Saints, who may be disinclined to accept future draft picks given his ability to fast-track their rebuild if he stays or, if he leaves, catapult a rival up the ladder.
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