St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is focused on letting his football do the talking amid ongoing speculation about his future at the Saints.
The 22-year-old produced another excellent performance in his team's 28-point win over Melbourne at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs on Sunday.
The Kokatha and Narangga man finished with 29 disposals – including 27 kicks – and a match-high 795 metres gained as the Saints outlasted a wayward Melbourne 14.7 (91) to 7.21 (63).
Wanganeen-Milera, who is yet to re-sign beyond this season, said he is concentrating on building something special with the club's next generation of talent.
"I am happy playing here," he told AFL.com post-match.
"I've got great relationships with the boys. I love Ross, I love all the coaching staff – I want to be part of something special here at St Kilda."
Wanganeen-Milera has taken his game to another level this season, showcasing his elite foot skills and composure across half-back and further up the ground.
He is sitting sixth in the competition for overall disposals at an average of 28.4 touches per game.
Wanganeen-Milera says the club's next generation is united by a shared hunger to create something special.
"We've got a good young crew, we are all self-driven and want to be the best Saints ever – that's what we are striving for," he said.
"We know there are going to be ups and downs, we just want to keep sticking at it and getting to work."
While contract discussions remain ongoing, Wanganeen-Milera said he is trying to block out external noise.
"Obviously the media talks, so we just try and concentrate on getting to work on building out our future," he said.
"I try and let my footy do the talking and try and avoid the stuff – my manager is back in Adelaide so we will talk over there."
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon was typically tight-lipped when quizzed about his star player's future, stating that he is concentrating on the aspects that he can control.
"We'll just let it play out – control the controllables – I've got no control," Lyon said after Sunday's win.
"I can control my relationship, my interactions, my coaching, the environment … you just hope it goes your way."
Sunday's victory over the Demons was the club's first-ever in the Northern Territory and a win buoyed by the performances of the club's First Nations players.
Developing big man Isaac Keeler produced his most impactful quarter at AFL level, gathering seven disposals, taking four marks, and slotting two goals to help his side to a four-goal lead by quarter time.
Veteran Brad Hill was at his classy best, finishing with 26 disposals and gaining 678 metres – second-highest only behind Wanganeen-Milera.
Defensive midfielder Marcus Windhager was excellent in a stopping role on Melbourne midfielder Kysaiah Pickett.
Pickett has been in blistering form so far this season and was coming off a best afield showing against Sydney, however Windhager held him goalless and to just 12 disposals – his lowest return of the season.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon praised Windhager post-game for his concentration.
"Marcus has got wonderful focus and it went his way (on Sunday)," Lyon said.
"I thought he won a lot of the ball as well and had great concentration to keep (Pickett) quiet.
"He's a strong player, Pickett – I saw him at the airport, he's close to Brad Hill, he's close to Liam Henry, so I enjoyed meeting him, but he was the opposition (on Sunday)."
