The 'humble freak' St Kilda love and want to keep

Perth Now

a day ago

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."