Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has been fined by the AFL after making an obscene gesture during St Kilda’s loss to the Western Bulldogs on Sunday. The Saints star received a $1500 sanction, which can be reduced to $1000 with an early guilty plea, after television cameras captured the incident in the final minute of the match. The fine comes amid a difficult period for St Kilda, with several key players dealing with significant injury concerns following the defeat.
Wanganeen-Milera was one of the standout performers despite the result, producing a career best display that included 44 disposals and a goal.
The incident occurred as the 22 year old left the field in the closing stages of the game. Broadcast footage appeared to show him directing a gesture toward someone seated behind the Saints bench.
It remains unclear whether any verbal exchange took place before the gesture was made.
AFL Hands Down Fine
The AFL Match Review Officer assessed the incident and issued Wanganeen-Milera with a financial penalty.
The sanction aligns with previous disciplinary decisions involving similar conduct. Bailey Smith, Harley Reid, Jack Ginnivan, and Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick were all fined for comparable incidents during the 2024 season.
The league has consistently used financial penalties rather than suspensions when dealing with such offences.
For Wanganeen-Milera, the fine is a minor setback following what was otherwise one of the finest individual performances of his AFL career.
His 44 disposals represented a personal best and further highlighted why he is regarded as one of the competition's most exciting young talents.
Saints Facing Injury Crisis
While the fine attracted attention, St Kilda's larger concern is the growing injury list following the loss to the Bulldogs.
Co captain Jack Sinclair suffered a serious calf injury that could sideline him for an extended period.
The club confirmed on Monday night that Sinclair will miss a significant period and will undergo further assessment in the coming weeks to determine a clearer return timeline.
The experienced midfielder has been a crucial part of St Kilda's leadership group and his absence would be a major blow for the remainder of the campaign.
Tom De Koning Suffers Serious Injuries
Key defender Tom De Koning also emerged from the match with significant injuries.
Scans revealed that De Koning suffered a punctured lung and cracked ribs following a heavy collision during the game.
Questions were raised about why the defender returned to the field after the incident before later being sent for further medical assessment.
St Kilda addressed the situation in an official statement.
According to the club, the initial examination did not indicate any signs of internal damage. However, medical staff reassessed De Koning at halftime and decided further testing was necessary.
Subsequent scans revealed the full extent of the injuries.
The club stressed that player welfare remained its highest priority throughout the process.
Rowan Marshall Receives Positive News
There was at least some relief for St Kilda regarding ruckman Rowan Marshall.
Marshall underwent scans on a shoulder injury sustained during the match but was cleared of any serious damage.
He was able to return to the field and is expected to benefit from the upcoming bye period.
The club will continue monitoring his recovery before making decisions about his availability for future matches.
Lenny Hayes Provides Injury Update
Football manager Lenny Hayes expressed support for the injured players and praised Sinclair's leadership qualities.
Hayes said the club was disappointed for Sinclair but remained confident he would continue contributing to the group while recovering.
He also reiterated that the decision to send De Koning for hospital assessment was made out of caution despite the absence of immediate signs of serious internal injury.
The Saints now face a crucial period as they attempt to manage multiple injury concerns while remaining competitive during the second half of the AFL season.
Wanganeen-Milera's fine, combined with the injuries to Sinclair and De Koning, ensures St Kilda enters its bye week facing several significant challenges.
The club will be hoping the break allows key players to recover while providing time to assess the long term impact of the injuries sustained against the Western Bulldogs.
