Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has officially been acknowledged as one of the competition’s most promising young players for the second year running, earning selection in this season’s AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 side.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a prolific season in Saints colours to further entrench himself as an integral part of the club’s future, utilising his sublime skills to terrific effect both coming off half-back and driving into attack.
With one game remaining in 2024, Wanganeen-Milera has averaged over 25 disposals, 20 kicks, six marks and 527 metres gained per game — all ranked as elite — as he continues his emergence as one of the league’s most skilful talents.
Beyond the staple stats, Wanganeen-Milera’s class and composure has seen his field kick hit-rate sit 5.5 per cent above average, putting him in the top 10 per cent of all players. Additionally, his average of 20 kicks per game has him fourth in the league behind Dayne Zorko, Luke Ryan and Errol Gulden.
The South Australian also sits first in the league for total baulks (17) and metres gained retained (336 per game), which measures the distance covered with his teammates keeping possession following one of his kicks.
Wanganeen-Milera charted arguably his best performance of the year against Collingwood in Round 2, however has rarely had his colours lowered across his 21 senior appearances for the season to lead the club for total metres gained (11067) and rebound-50s (110).
The No. 7 was selected in 80 per cent of 22Under22 teams, with the fan-voted concept aiming to recognise the best players in the competition aged 22 or under.
The initial 40-man squad, of which Wanganeen-Milera was the only Saint, was later refined to a fan-voted team of 22 after a week-long voting period.
