Message to Taylor Walker as Caroline Wilson stands by Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera story
Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson is standing by her story on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera after suggesting on Monday night that the young St Kilda superstar would not play for the Adelaide Crows if he is to request a South Australia.
Wilson said Wanganeen-Milera would be uncomfortable at the Crows after a racism incident that dated back to 2021 and involved Adelaide key forward Taylor Walker.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Caroline Wilson on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera story.
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Following her report on Channel 7's the The Agenda Setters, there was a swift denial from Wanganeen-Milera's management.
'Reports made in the media suggesting that Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has ruled out joining the Adelaide Crows due to comments made by Taylor Walker in 2021 are false,' player manager Ben Williams said via a statement.
But Wilson was clear on Tuesday that she was not backing down.
'I do stand by the story. And I don't think Ben Williams probably knows the way fully how Nasiah actually feels,' Wilson said on The Agenda Setters on Tuesday.
'I'm not backing away from it. Nasiah could change his mind, but that is what Nasiah has told colleagues and friends that is the way he feels.'
Wilson also played a clip of Walker talking about the story on radio, who revealed he knew Williams and called him 'straight away' to seek 'clarification'.
Wilson admitted that Walker was unhappy with her, but she also had a message for the 35-year-old.
'This is about Taylor Walker. This is not about the Adelaide Football Club,' Wilson said on Tuesday night.
'I would suggest that if Taylor picks up the phone again, he probably should ring Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
'Because if he is absolutely adamant, as some Adelaide people, say that he learned his lesson, he was educated, and he is truly sorry ... (he should let people know) ...
'We aired last night that sort of regrettable interview that was aired during Gather Round (where Walker made an apology) ... and that really upset a lot of the Indigenous leaders across Australia in footy and the South Australian Indigenous community.
'I think Taylor should ring Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and tell him how devastated he is by these suggestions, and ask him what he can do.'
Wilson said she felt 'bad' that she had put Wanganeen-Milera 'under pressure'.
The Agenda Setters co-host Dale Thomas noted that Wilson had put Walker 'under pressure' too.
'There's a story about Nasiah not wanting to go to the Adelaide Crows, and now it's become purely about Taylor Walker,' Thomas said.
Wilson: 'Well, that's what Nasiah has said to people, yeah.'
Wilson again restated that Wanganeen-Milera's manager would 'necessarily know' the full details.
'I really mean that,' she said.
'I have great respect for Adelaide coach) Matthew Nicks and Adam Kelly (Crows football boss) and Tim Silvers (Crows CEO).
'I spoke to Tim Silvers today. Silvers was disappointed, and he said he didn't believe the story.
'And I told him I believed it was 100 per cent right. He said he didn't believe it, and I said (Williams) might not know.
'I said last night Nasiah had not communicated this to the Adelaide Football Club, St Kilda are aware of it. Port Adelaide is aware of it.
'All three clubs have presented to the player. This is, as we know, a highly sought after signature, and this is a proud young indigenous man.
'So look, I know it's a deeply sensitive situation. I know Taylor Walker is very unhappy about this.'
Asked if she had spoken to Walker, Wilson said she hadn't.
'I will at some stage. I've got a relationship with Taylor. (But) he's clearly not happy with me at the moment.'
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