A second-year switch-up is on the horizon for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, with a move from the wing to the half-back line hoping to let the silky Saint’s attributes shine.
The first-round draftee has trained this pre-season exclusively with the backline group, working closely with defensive coach Corey Enright as he looks to best utilise his strengths to his side's advantage.
Wanganeen-Milera’s sharp foot skills – often cited as the best of his draft class – are reason enough to experiment with him as one of St Kilda's primary distributors coming out of defence, and when combined with the likes of Jack Sinclair, could become an even more enticing prospect for Ross Lyon.
Playing off half-back is far from uncharted territory for the South Australian, who plied his trade there and on the wing during his years at Glenelg.
“I’ve been working closely with Corey Enright a lot, just understanding the backline roles, learning a bit more about the game and trying to fit in as best I can in the position,” Wanganeen-Milera told saints.com.au.
“There's been a strong focus on my running capacity and I’ve got a lot stronger in the gym and feel a lot stronger in my body. I think that correlates out on the field in terms of feeling more confident and holding my ground.
“I’ve noticed a huge change from last pre-season to now, especially in the areas I needed to improve on like my physicality and contested work.”
St Kilda has several options to choose from when it comes to its outside drive. Wanganeen-Milera’s housemate Mason Wood is looking to write a sequel to his most influential season to-date, Daniel McKenzie has recently re-joined the main group following niggling calf setbacks, while Bradley Hill was linked to a shift back to the wing as early as Ross Lyon’s first week back at the club.
Wanganeen-Milera’s running power – now springing off the half-back line – and added size is likely to complement that as builds up his engine to become a prominent outside player for the Saints’ long-term.
St Kilda ranked 15th for defensive-50 to attacking-50 transitions last season, with the No. 7’s inclusion in the defensive line boasting the potential to elevate that standing and provide a measured, but offensive, option heading towards attack.
“He looks really comfortable, he’s learning a lot off the players around him and the early signs are looking good. It’s really exciting from our point of view,” Enright told saints.com.au.
“When we see him, he looks like a natural footballer and that decision-making and balance of when to attack and when to defend is also quite natural for him.
“He does read the game pretty well, and again he’s only learning what it looks like behind the ball as opposed to playing outside on that wing. The way the game is these days though, you need guys who can get the ball safely and quickly out of your defensive half, and he’s got the attributes to do that.”
While his execution by foot is a common sight out on the training track, Wanganeen-Milera’s change in physique from lightly framed teenager to developing man has been just as noticeable.
The off-season regime to put on more muscle hasn’t lessened his running capacity or speed, but has given him the added benefit of being able to go one-on-one without being easily outmatched.
Wanganeen-Milera has also drawn from reigning Best & Fairest Jack Sinclair and Bradley Hill in learning the ropes of the new craft, with particular emphasis on bringing out the attacking side of his game.
While St Kilda’s forward line stocks have suffered with injuries to Max King (shoulder) and Jack Hayes (foot), there’s the potential to unearth an untapped goldmine down back.
“Working with those two (Sinclair and Hill), just watching and seeing how they go about it and play is something I’ve taken out from them and try to put into my game,” Wanganeen-Milera said.
“I’m still learning about the game and all the different positions, but I’m just taking it step by step, trying to have a good pre-season and hopefully play a few more games next year.”
