I rarely become emotional when it comes to football anymore.

But on Monday I realised I’m not beyond feeling like a fan again when I heard on the radio Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was staying at St Kilda. I was rapt, for him, for my Saints-loving friends, and for the game itself.

Saints fans love him, and why wouldn’t they?Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

What Wanganeen-Milera has done on and off the football field this season is remarkable given he is just 22, living with teammates Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager, and carrying the hopes of a football club on his bony shoulders.

His decision to stay for another two seasons means we can savour the pure parts of the game he has showcased in 2025, such as loyalty, which many of us fear is rapidly disappearing.

Perhaps, that’s why the news was so warmly received by anyone and everyone. Even Port Adelaide and Adelaide supporters accepted his decision as fair play.

Not only has Wanganeen-Milera emerged as a superstar, but he has done so under the sort of pressure that has made others buckle or, at least, left us doubting whether the player was as invested in our team as we are.

Not Wanganeen-Milera. Not once has anything other than his love of playing the game and playing with his mates been top of mind for him.

He didn’t seek out the media. He didn’t hide from it either. When he spoke he was low-key and authentic, a sense of “yeah, I get why there is interest but all I can tell you is the truth”. He embraced the fans and they returned the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald