Rivals are expected to be readying long-term deals that could span as long as 10 years for off-contract St Kilda defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera this year.
Amid reports of the Saints' aggressive approach to the open market - with the club linked to a handful of gun free agents and unsigned stars - the Moorabbin club has a number of key players still without contracts of their own beyond this year.
Wanganeen-Milera headlines a long list of St Kilda players who are set to enter the 2025 season unsigned for next year, with Mitch Owens, Marcus Windhager, Dougal Howard, Zak Jones, Liam Stocker and Hunter Clark, among others, currently off-contract.
A product out of South Australia, Wanganeen-Milera's value as an attacking defensive outlet and clean ball user makes him an integral piece in coach Ross Lyon's list build, with the renewal of the 22-year-old's signature a likely priority.
The Saints are tipped to have a fight on their hands to retain the flashy half-back, with AFL.com.au reporting offers between six and 10 years could be tabled to Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as he assesses his future.
While St Kilda will firmly be in the mix to secure Wanganeen-Milera to a contract extension, SA clubs Adelaide and Port Adelaide are expected to be expressing a level of interest in the Glenelg junior.
Any play from the Power will be limited due to the club's lack of first-round picks for the 2025 AFL Draft. However, this year's trade period will see sides able to trade future picks two years in advance.
Adelaide could again hold a top 10 selection for this year's draft but would potentially need to package that deal with another first-round selection to secure a trade for Wanganeen-Milera.
The Saints would need to be satisfied by a rival's offer to see Wanganeen-Milera leave the club, while St Kilda are expected to be able to match, and likely beat, financial offers from other clubs from a contract point of view.
The Crows have half-back flankers Wayne Milera and Brodie Smith unsigned beyond this season, while the Power will be doing what they can to retain off-contract Victorian defender Miles Bergman.
Port Adelaide also have backmen Jase Burgoyne, Ryan Burton, Logan Evans, Kane Farrell and Josh Sinn without deals beyond 2025.
