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Edmund: 20% of Saints cap on Nas and TDK is "money well spent"
SEN • August 18th, 2025 5:51 pm
St Kilda preparing to spend 20 per cent of their 2026 salary cap on just two players is “money well spent” according to Sam Edmund who believes the re-signing of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera will act as a catalyst for the Saints to become a destination club.
The 22-year-old rejected huge money offers from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to remain in the red, white and black for two more years on a deal reportedly worth $4 million.
While the Crows were selling potential success and were the third best financial proposition, the Power were prepared to break the bank with a better offer than St Kilda's.
With Tom De Koning set to arrive at the Saints from Carlton ahead of next season, Edmund said this was a huge step forward for the club.
"I don’t think anyone has had a better contract year than Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera when you consider the opening offer for him last year from Saints was $750,000 a season," he said on SEN's Dwayne's World.
"He’s added $1.2 million to his value just by backing himself.
"The speculation is he could have been paid $2.5 million a year at Port and those (other) clubs were more than willing to offer the forever deal of l0-12 years. In the end, he’s the first $2 million player in the AFL.
"It's money well spent.
"On top of Tom De Koning - due to arrive on $1.7 million a season - it means the Saints will be committing $3.75 million on two players. The 2026 salary cap will be around $18.2 million next year so this will be 20 per cent on two players
"You have to fight your way out of mediocrity. It’s not an easy position. Saints finally land a big fish in TDK and keep an even bigger fish in Nasiah. This is how you win more games and then you become a destination club and can afford to pay big players less than they’re worth."
Just 85 games into his career, Wanganeen-Milera becomes the AFL's first $2 million-a-year player.
His decision to remain faithful for another two years will be hugely recognised by the Saints' faithful.
"It's a blur of relief and excitement for Saints fans," Edmund added. "The sleepless nights are over, and the anxiety has been cured.
"Players were told earlier today (Monday), and it was like someone had won Powerball.
"This is Christmas for Saints fans, kids and adults, he's captured everyone's attention.
"People want a public holiday declared, that’s how big it is. It’s a massive signature and the biggest one you can recall in a long time. The thought of him leaving was disastrous."
