Step into the evolving world of St Kilda’s backline and discover how Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is navigating the shifting tides, poised for a breakthrough in his third AFL season. Unravel the complexities of Saints team dynamics and personal growth that could catapult this young star into the fantasy football spotlight.

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, a promising talent in the AFL, made a notable impact in his 2023 season with his impressive skill set and commendable performances. Known for his silky skills, particularly his precision kicking and agility, Wanganeen-Milera has quickly become recognized for his ability to create play from the wing and his effectiveness in moving the ball into attack. His excellent foot skills, pace, and ability to read the game make him a dangerous player, especially in transition.

His ability to maintain possession and deliver the ball effectively resulted in a bump in disposals per game. Furthermore, his role often involves creating scoring opportunities for his St Kilda teammates. His endurance and speed also contribute to his defensive efforts, which would be evident in his tackling stats.

The AFLFantasy and SuperCoach statistics for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera from the 2023 season provide valuable insights into his fantasy football potential and his development as a player throughout the year.

In AFLFantasy, Wanganeen-Milera’s average of 91.3, which included ten scores over 100 and three exceeding 120, is impressive. This performance ranked him 13th among defenders by average and 8th for total points. In SuperCoach, his average was a solid 85.1, with six scores over 100. These numbers highlight his consistency and ability to contribute significantly to fantasy teams.

A closer look at his performance across the season reveals a marked improvement post-midseason break. Before the Saints’ bye, Wanganeen-Milera averaged 83.9 in AFLFantasy and 77.3 in SuperCoach over 11 games. However, after the bye, his averages increased to 95.5 in AFLFantasy and 92.2 in SuperCoach across the next 12 weeks. This upward trend in his scores is significant and indicates a player growing in confidence and skill and becoming more integral to his team’s gameplay.

The difference in averages before and after the bye – an increase of approximately 11.6 points in AFLFantasy and 14.9 points in SuperCoach – is noteworthy. It suggests that Wanganeen-Milera adapted to the demands of the AFL throughout the season and found ways to impact games more effectively. This data is crucial for fantasy coaches as it reflects his scoring potential and points to a player who is likely to continue improving. His post-bye performance, in particular, positions him as a valuable asset for fantasy teams, offering both scoring consistency and the potential for high scores.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

Breaking into premium status in just the second season of AFL is a rare and notable achievement, achieved by only a select few players who have shown exceptional talent and adaptability. The likes of Jackson Macrae, Tim Taranto, Nat Fyfe, Clayton Oliver, and Marcus Bontempelli, amongst others, stand out as remarkable examples of players who have transcended expectations to deliver premium performances in their sophomore year. Their ability to elevate their game quickly in their AFL careers speaks volumes about their skill, work ethic, and football intelligence.

In 2023, Nick Daicos’ dominant performance in his second season somewhat overshadowed other emerging talents, including Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. Had Daicos not been so exceptionally outstanding, the fantasy football community might have been even more appreciative and astonished by the strength of Wanganeen-Milera’s season. His significant improvement and impactful performances in his second year highlight his potential and set a high benchmark for his future in the AFL.

It’s a testament to his development and an indicator of his ability to join the ranks of those elite players who have made a substantial impact in their second AFL season. Wanganeen-Milera’s 2023 season, therefore, should not be understated, as it represents a remarkable stride in his AFL journey and a sign of the high-calibre player he is becoming.

His scoring trajectory and the Saints’ fixture schedule delineate the pathway for Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to emerge as a strong starting squad selection and a top-line defensive premium in fantasy football. His performance in the latter part of the 2023 season is particularly telling. Post-bye, he delivered averages of 98.1 in AFLFantasy and 92.2 in SuperCoach. Maintaining this performance level indicates potential value and the ability to consistently score high, a key attribute of a premium fantasy player.

Furthermore, Wanganeen-Milera’s availability during the critical early season-best 18 weeks, specifically between rounds 2-6 and the multi-bye rounds of 12, 13, and 14, adds to his appeal. His presence in these rounds ensures continuity and scoring opportunities for fantasy teams before the Saints’ first rest at round 15.

The conversation this preseason has largely centred around forwards, but the strategy for defenders should be noticed. Decisions here must be intentional, not just residual effects of choices in other lines. Considerations such as whether to start or fade Nick Daicos, who also has an early bye, are important.

Similarly, the ongoing relevance of top-line defenders like Tom Stewart, Jack Sinclair, and James Sicily needs to be assessed. Hayden Young, Zac Williams, Hayden Chapman, and various cash cows all factor into this narrative.

It’s here that you are considering selecting Nas in your starting squad. How many premium defenders are you happy to start with? Given our high potential value, It’s a popular narrative for coaches to run only two premiums in this line, making it harder to start with him. A glance at ownership percentages across the format would indicate coaches considering their defensive premium combinations are largely fading him and viewing him as a potential in-season upgrade.

Another factor bolstering Wanganeen-Milera’s case as an upgrade target is his impressive record at Marvel Stadium. Last year, his average at this venue was 95.1 in AFLFantasy and 88.3 in SuperCoach. This stat is significant, considering the Saints play almost all except one of their matches after the round 15 bye at Marvel Stadium. His proficiency at this ground suggests that his scoring potential could elevate further in these games, making him a valuable asset, especially in the latter part of the season.

The dynamic of the St Kilda side, particularly its midfield, has undergone significant changes, potentially affecting Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s scoring in fantasy football. The acquisition of Paddy Dow adds a new element to the Saints’ midfield composition. Dow’s presence could alter the midfield dynamics, potentially influencing the distribution of the ball and the roles of other midfielders. Additionally, Zak Jones’ return to health adds another layer of complexity. Jones’ playing style and role within the team could impact how the midfield operates, potentially affecting the opportunities and space available for Wanganeen-Milera.

Another factor to consider is the sporadic positioning of Jack Sinclair. Sinclair’s versatility and ability to play various roles could lead to shifts in Wanganeen-Milera’s responsibilities on the field. Depending on Sinclair’s positioning in any game, Wanganeen-Milera might find his usual role expanded or somewhat restricted, impacting his scoring potential.

On the flip side, Wanganeen-Milera’s capabilities present reasons for optimism. Ranking 7th in the AFL for kicks per game last year is a testament to his ability and effectiveness with the ball. As he enters his third season in the AFL, there’s a reasonable expectation for natural progression in his skills and composure. This development could see him improve further in his ball use, maintaining or even enhancing his scoring potential in fantasy football, regardless of the team dynamics. His improvement in this area could be crucial in offsetting any potential impacts of the changing midfield structure at St Kilda, ensuring that he remains a valuable fantasy football asset.

There’s a world where he dominates, there’s a world where he stagnates, and there is even a possibility he regresses in his scoring. I view him as an upgrade target for now but don’t discount his relevance before or during the 2024 season.

Embed from Getty Images

DRAFT DECISION

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s placement in fantasy football drafts varies significantly between AFLFantasy and SuperCoach formats. In AFLFantasy, his impressive performance, marked by a strong average and high-ranking point, positions him as a D1 pick. This reflects his consistent scoring ability and the potential for high outputs, making him a top choice for defenders in AFLFantasy drafts.

In contrast, in SuperCoach, Wanganeen-Milera is more appropriately seen as a D3 option. While he still offers solid scoring potential, as indicated by his averages and 100+ scores, he might not be the primary defensive pick compared to other available players. This ranking in SuperCoach acknowledges his value while also considering the depth of other defensive options in the format.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say on our Facebook,  Twitter or Instagram. 

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the crowd here.