Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Nasiah Wanganeen Milera inspired St Kilda to a vital AFL victory over the GWS Giants on Sunday at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, helping the Saints secure a 14.12 (96) to 13.10 (88) win that could prove significant in their push to climb the ladder. The talented defender and midfielder produced a standout performance with his attacking ball use and creative decision making, while teammate Liam Ryan added six goals in one of the club’s most important victories of the season.
For much of the 2026 campaign, St Kilda have shown glimpses of their potential without consistently turning strong performances into wins. Close losses against quality opposition have left the Saints stuck in the middle of the standings and searching for momentum.
Against the Giants, they finally found a way to finish the job.
Wanganeen Milera delivers when it matters
Wanganeen Milera was at the heart of St Kilda’s success. The 23 year old repeatedly broke open the game with daring kicks and smart ball movement that allowed the Saints to transition quickly from defence into attack.
His performance showcased why he is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the AFL.
While coaches often stress the importance of simple ball use, Wanganeen Milera consistently looked for difficult options that created scoring opportunities. Time and again he identified teammates in crowded situations and executed kicks that few players in the competition would attempt.
One of the defining moments came during the third quarter when he launched a long range goal that energized the Saints and their supporters.
Later, in the final term, he produced another crucial play. Deep in the pocket and under pressure from multiple Giants opponents, Wanganeen Milera worked his way free before finding Cooper Sharman with a precise pass. The sequence helped St Kilda maintain control during a tense finish.
His influence extended beyond statistics, providing leadership and composure in critical moments.
Ryan continues hot streak
Liam Ryan also played a decisive role in the victory.
Fresh from a career best five goal performance against Sydney the previous week, Ryan went one better against the Giants with six goals. His combination of speed, positioning and finishing proved difficult for GWS defenders to contain throughout the afternoon.
Ryan was not a high possession player, but he made every opportunity count.
His goals came through a mix of clever movement, aerial ability and sharp finishing around goal. Each major further increased the pressure on the Giants and gave St Kilda valuable breathing space during key stages of the contest.
The performance highlighted Ryan's growing importance within the Saints forward line and continued a strong run of form that has coincided with the club becoming more competitive against top opponents.
Ross Lyon's evolving approach
The win also reflected a noticeable shift in the coaching philosophy of Ross Lyon.
For much of his coaching career, Lyon's teams were known for defensive discipline and structured football. This season, however, St Kilda has shown a greater willingness to attack and take risks with ball movement.
That freedom has benefited players such as Wanganeen Milera, who thrives when encouraged to use his creativity.
The Saints have been involved in several entertaining matches this year, including contests against Adelaide, Fremantle and Sydney. While they were unable to convert those opportunities into victories, the performance against GWS demonstrated what the team can achieve when its attacking game clicks.
The result was particularly valuable given the challenges St Kilda has faced throughout the season.
Saints gain reward after difficult campaign
Travel demands and narrow defeats have tested the Saints in 2026.
Several close losses have left the club frustrated, with winning positions slipping away in important matches. Against the Giants, there was a determination to avoid another missed opportunity.
The Saints responded with one of their most complete performances of the year.
Their ability to withstand pressure late in the contest and execute key plays in decisive moments marked a significant improvement from previous weeks.
The victory also provides optimism for supporters as the club enters the second half of the season.
North Melbourne survive late scare
Elsewhere in Round 14, North Melbourne recorded a one point victory over West Coast in Perth.
The Kangaroos entered the match under pressure following a heavy defeat to Fremantle the previous week. While they secured the four points, they were forced to survive a dramatic finish.
West Coast mounted a strong final quarter comeback and nearly stole the game through star forward Jake Waterman.
Waterman marked inside the final minute and had an opportunity to win the match for the Eagles. However, his set shot struck the post, allowing North Melbourne to hold on for a narrow victory.
The result gave the Kangaroos their sixth win of the season, already surpassing their total from several recent campaigns.
Port Adelaide falls short again
Saturday night's clash between Port Adelaide and Sydney produced another close finish.
The Power pushed one of the competition's strongest teams all the way but ultimately suffered another narrow defeat. It continued a frustrating trend for Port Adelaide, which has now lost five matches by a combined margin of only 11 points.
Sydney's experience and composure proved enough in the closing stages, denying Port Adelaide what would have been a significant victory.
The result further emphasized the fine margins that often separate success and disappointment in the AFL.
As Round 14 concluded, St Kilda's triumph stood out as one of the weekend's most important results. Led by the brilliance of Nasiah Wanganeen Milera and the finishing power of Liam Ryan, the Saints finally turned promise into reward and kept their season moving in the right direction.