Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera leaving St Kilda for another team could set St Kilda back 5-10 years, according to Saints champion Leigh Montana.
Wanganeen-Milera is currently the biggest name out of contract for next year, with a reported three teams in the main chase for his signature. The Saints are looking to re-sign him, while Adelaide and Port Adelaide are attempting to lure him back to his home state of South Australia.
The 22-year-old is in great form so far this year and is a strong contender for All-Australian selection, averaging just under 30 disposals a game and ranking first in the AFL for metres gained for the year.
Earlier this month, the Saints said they were confident that their superstar would re-sign for the club, but with more time passing, there are talks that he may be thinking more about going back to South Australia.
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Saints champion Leigh Montana told Fox Footy’s First Crack that Wanganeen-Milera’s contract is the Saints' biggest contract worry since 1994.
“I don’t think there has been a bigger contract call in St Kilda, since Tony Lockett asked for a trade in 1994,” Montagna said.
“That’s how significant and important Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is to the success of this football club.”
Montana said the 22-year-old superstar has enormous potential, and if the Saints lose him, it would set the club back significantly.
“You don’t get many talents like him walking through the door. We probably haven’t seen him at St Kilda since Nick Riewoldt 25 years ago, and if he does choose to go to another club or ask for a trade, it is going to set this rebuild back five to 10 years,” he said.
“I think they’ve got to explore the ceiling over the next six to seven weeks of the season and find out what he is capable of.”
The Saints currently sit in 15th place on the ladder with five wins and 11 losses and will try and win their sixth game against Sydney on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.