St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena says he remains “confident” and “optimistic” about securing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s signature, as speculation intensifies that the 22-year-old could leave Moorabbin at season’s end.
Speaking on 3AW Football, Dilena admitted the club would have preferred to lock away the in-form defender earlier in the year.
“You’d always prefer to get things done early, particularly with a quality player like NAS,” he said. “But we’re confident and optimistic.”
Adelaide clubs circling as decision looms
Wanganeen-Milera, who is out of contract and in career-best form, has been heavily linked with a move back to his home state of South Australia, where both Adelaide and Port Adelaide are weighing their options.
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Veteran journalist Michaelangelo Rucci told SEN SA this week that “probably the advice that Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is going to get is not to be with St Kilda”, claiming the situation is “much more alive than ever before now”.
The Crows hold a first-round draft pick that could be part of any trade package, while Port Adelaide, despite lacking an early selection this year, have indicated confidence in structuring a deal if the opportunity arises.
For now, Wanganeen-Milera’s stance remains a mystery, with neither the player nor his management giving public hints.