Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has reportedly turned down a whopping $30 million offer from Port Adelaide to re-sign with St Kilda for two more years. Wanganeen-Milera is set to sign a two-year extension at the Saints worth $4 million – making him the game’s first-ever $2 million per season player.
Tom Morris of Channel 9 is reporting that Adelaide offered four years in the vicinity of $1.5-1.7m per season, and were willing to go higher. While Port reportedly offered a staggering 12-year deal worth up to $2.5m per season and $30m all up.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is staying put at St Kilda.
Morris reported that St Kilda players “erupted” on Monday afternoon after being told of NWM’s decision. It comes after Buddy Franklin tipped Wanganeen-Milera to leave St Kilda because he hadn’t re-signed so late in the season.
The young gun impressed again on Friday night as St Kilda held off a much-improved Essendon to win by two points at Marvel Stadium. Speaking after the game he said: “Obviously it’s a decison, everybody knows about it … I’ve spoken to my manager and family as well, they’re included in my decision. I’m just focused on finishing the season off and giving my all to this football club, giving my all, playing week-in, week-out.”
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in action for St Kilda against Essendon. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 draft. A former half-back, he’s been moved into the midfield with devastating effect this season, and kicked the winning goal in the Saints’ historic comeback against Melbourne last month.
He has averaged 30.2 disposals, three clearances and 6.4 score involvements per game while kicking 17 goals, emerging as a genuine match-winner for Ross Lyon’s side. St Kilda are now expected to continue to bolstering their list, with a huge offer on the table for Carlton free agent Tom De Koning and interest in GWS defender Leek Aleer.
What a day for @stkildafc.
The playing group just erupted at Moorabbin having been told Nas is staying. It’s $2 million x 2 guaranteed money.
Adelaide’s offer was $1.5-1.7 x 4 (they were prepared to offer longer if needed). Port’s was 12 years at up to $2.5 million per… https://t.co/C5a15cKLr9
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 18, 2025
Nas Wanganeen Milera stays at St Kilda. Becomes the AFL’s first two million dollar man. A two year deal worth over $4m in total. Amazing show of faith despite Adelaide’s confidence he would choose them if he went home @heraldsunsport
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) August 18, 2025
Calls for AFL to introduce maximum contract length
The news comes after AFL great Luke Hodge added his voice to calls for the league to place a cap on the maximum length of contracts that players can sign. And leading commentator Gerard Whateley says he “shudders” at what an 11-year deal for Harley Reid could do to a club.
The AFL is reportedly considering introducing a maximum contract length in the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA), amid reports Reid wants an 11-year deal to remain at the Eagles. Reid’s management have reportedly suggested a new two-year deal that would then trigger a nine-year extension, and the total deal is believed to be around the $25 million mark. A number of Victorian clubs are also believed to be willing to offer the same money, including Hodge’s Hawks.
Luke Hodge (R) wants a cap on maximum AFL contracts like the one Harley Reid (L) is likely to sign. Image: Getty/AAP
Sam Taylor, Connor Rozee, Aaron Naughton, and Mac Andrew are among a number of players on deals in excess of seven years, while Franklin famously signed a nine-year deal to join the Swans. Speaking on SEN radio on Monday, Whateley and fellow commentator Sam Edmund said they believe there shouldn’t be a cap and clubs should face the consequences if a long-term deal doesn’t work out.
But Hodge disagreed, with the Hawthorn champion saying: “I actually don’t mind the capped length of a contract. If it was put in there, Melbourne wouldn’t be in the position that they are with three similar blokes (Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Kysaiah Pickett) with long-term deals that they can’t move because they had the heavy money and long-term deals.
“I know that is pushing against the trend of you guys. But what we have seen in the past is people in football clubs make shocking decisions through desperation, and I don’t think the future of that club should be held to ransom because of it.”
Harley Reid reportedly wants 11 years and $24 million to stay at West Coast. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
RELATED:
Edmund said he doesn’t think a change will be made anytime soon, and certainly won’t affect Reid’s next deal. “I don’t feel like it is anywhere near the here and now,” he said. “It certainly doesn’t come up in any of the conversations with the clubs, the CEO’s meeting or anything of that nature.
“They have put extra protection mechanisms if you’d like for those really big contracts that require whole of board approval and the like. I don’t think it is something that is coming in the here and now.
“And I hate the whole idea of saving clubs from themselves. These are adults, these are professionals. They know what they are doing, and if they are prepared to take a risk, then they are prepared to take a risk. Live by the sword, die by the sword.”
Gerard Whateley ‘shudders’ at thought of long Harley Reid deal
Whateley pointed out that a big deal for Reid or anyone else might act as a “cautionary tale” by the time of the next CBA. “It can’t be until 2028 anyway (with) the collective bargaining agreement and how players feel there. I do think by then, we are going to have a few cautionary tales,” he said.
“But I shudder at the idea of doing an 11-year contract for Harley Reid. As what if after five years – if it doesn’t turn – of misery at West Coast and he wants to get out, and he still has so long to go. The downside is tangible. And if you’re a great player, you’ll be fine doing five (years), then three and then four rather than doing 11 in one go and throwing yourself into the complete unknown.”