Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has decided to stick with St Kilda on a lucrative two-year contract worth $4 million, resisting a move home to South Australia.

The 22-year-old has improved out of sight this year and faced a difficult call ahead of his current contract expiring at the end of the season.

But he has opted to take up a big-money offer from the Saints that all but matched the dollars put forward by Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

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It was unclear how the Crows in particular could have traded for Wanganeen-Milera this year.

The short nature of his new deal, however, will keep him in the shop window before having to make another decision before the end of 2027.

The Saints began teasing the announcement on social media on Monday afternoon before formal confirmation arrived soon after.

“From the moment I arrived at St Kilda, the staff and my teammates have supported me in every way, not just to be a better footballer, but a better person,” Wanganeen-Milera was quoted as saying in a club statement.

“I know how special it is to pull on the red, white and black. Every time I run out, I’m representing my family, my culture and this club. That means everything to me.

“I’ve still got so much I want to improve in my game, and I know this is the right place for me to keep growing. I’ve got great people around me who push me to be better every day.

“I want to help create something long-lasting here. We’ve got a tight group and a clear direction, and I’m proud to be part of building that future.”

News of the extension comes after Wanganeen-Milera gave nothing away in a rare interview with Channel 7 after the Saints’ win over Essendon last Friday night, leaving fans convinced he was on his way out.

“Obviously it’s a decision, everybody knows about it,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to my manager and family as well, they’re included in my decision. I’m just focused on finishing the season off and giving my all to this football club, giving my all, playing week in, week out.”

Wanganeen-Milera has taken his game to a new level this year, showcasing his all-round ability with stints in the midfield and up forward.

He is averaging a staggering 30 touches a game and has also booted 16 goals in a brilliant season that will surely end with All Australian honours.

“Nasiah’s commitment to the club is a strong vote of confidence in not only the culture we’ve built, but in the future we’re creating both on and off the field,” Saints football boss David Misson said.

“Nas is a well-loved and deeply connected member of our team. His decision to stay is brilliant news for the entire footy club, from the playing group to our loyal supporters.

“He’s an incredibly exciting and talented footballer, and we’re thrilled to watch him continue to develop as an integral part of our club.”

Wanganeen-Milera’s commitment comes ahead of the likely arrival of Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning on his own lucrative deal in the trade period.

But that signing could spell the end for Rowan Marshall despite having two years to run on his Saints contract.

Marcus Windhager’s future is also up in the air, with vice-captain Callum Wilkie hopeful the midfielder will also re-sign.

“I love the St Kilda footy club. I love playing. I love being the vice-captain. I love being a leader of this footy club,” Wilkie told 7NEWS Melbourne, shutting down concerns about his own commitment to the club.

“I think I’m just like any other St Kilda person that just wants you know to get the signatures, particularly Nas and Windy, who are two key players for us and two key people in building this culture and really getting us going to that next premiership tilt.”

Emerging defender Leek Aleer is set to join from GWS Giants on a bumper contract.

The Saints have made the top eight just once since winning their last final in 2020.