AFL world declares ‘pay him $4 million’ as superstar’s huge contract call looms

St Kilda great Nick Dal Santo says the club should “give him the chequebook” when it comes to re-signing superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

The 22-year-old proved the Saints’ hero on Sunday after nailing two goals in less than a minute – including the post-siren matchwinner in historic scenes at Marvel Stadium.

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Already, it’s reported the Saints have offered a club record $1.4 million, two-year deal to keep the 2021 first round draft pick.

But there’s also claims he could sign a $1.2m deal for up to 10 years to stay at Moorabbin at a time when he’s weighing up a return home to South Australia.

Pre-game, Saints coach Ross Lyon was in no mood to talk about his superstar’s future – but after the matchwinning heroics the AFL world was in agreement: Just pay the man.

“NWM IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD,” premiership Eagle and Fox Footy commentator Will Schofield tweeted.

“Pay him $4 million!!!!” ex-Lions skipper Tom Rockliff posted.

“Harley Reid about to be the highest paid player ever – for about 48 hours. Pay Nasiah!!!” premiership Hawk Xavier Ellis tweeted.

Wanganeen-Milera remains in-demand at both the Saints and back in South Australia as he remains a non-free agent at the end of 2025.

“Give him the chequebook and let him fill it in himself. Years and money. My gosh,” Dal Santo said on Fox Footy.

Even teammate Jack Higgins was left in awe, describing Wanganeen-Milera as the “GOAT”.

“Oh Nas – he’s the best player in the world,” he praised.

Lyon later conceded his star almost didn’t play in that six-point win over Melbourne, making his matchwinning heroics even more remarkable.

“I see four missed calls from the doctor .. experience tells me this can’t be good,” Lyon revealed.

“I answer the phone ‘Yes doc?’ He said Nas has come in, upped his antibiotics, given him an injection.

“I rang (Wanganeen-Milera), he goes ‘Nah, I’ll be right’.

“He just keeps improving. He played with a stye – he had an injection this morning (and) there was a chance he wasn’t going to play.

“But his mantra is ‘use no excuse’ and ‘on the pitch get it done’.

“He’s pretty special … and we’ll do everything within our power to keep him.

Lyon said the final moments certainly lifted the side.

“I was a little bit watery when Nas took that mark. I think it’s just that emotion for the players, just for them,” he said.

“Obviously his last quarter was pretty special.

“Everyone lifted to be fair.”

Wanganeen-Milera had been his side’s best at half time with 13 disposals, 300m gained and a goal at a time the Saints were being outplayed.

Fox Footy’s experts called for more support for the midfielder, who shifted to half back for the third term to try and create some run.

“When they’ve needed a lift or a moment or to break it open, he’s the one who has stood up,” Fox Footy’s Ben Dixon praised of Wanganeen-Milera.

“(But) he can’t do it all.”

When the match went on the line, the 22-year-old’s move to full forward paid off with the final two goals of the game.

“Nasiah is on fire!” Kelli Underwood said.

“He’s worth millions after that.”

He finished the game with 34 disposals, four tackles, six clearances, nine score involvements, 749m gained and four goals – including the matchwinner.

It’s being reported a new deal for Wanganeen-Milera has been “complicated” by the club’s hunt for big Blue Tom De Koning.

That deal is believed to be worth around the $1.7m-a-season mark.