AAMI Practice Match Review: Collingwood vs St Kilda — SuperCoach 2026 Takeaways

The result was an upset by the numbers — St Kilda beating near-full-strength Collingwood by nine points is not what the form guide would have predicted. But the more consequential development was barely on the scoreboard: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in the centre circle.

St Kilda won 14.11 (95) to 13.8 (86) at Ikon Park, and in the process gave the SuperCoach world its first proper look at what an NWM midfield role actually means on the ground. Two goals, 24 disposals, 6 inside 50s from a player priced as a half-back defender — the implications are significant.

The Match in 60 Seconds

Collingwood's midfield loaded up early through Nick Daicos (10 first-quarter touches) and Scott Pendlebury, but St Kilda's rotational system wore them down. Marcus Windhager (31 disposals) was the Saints' anchor — a consistent, elite performer who quietly delivered a 140+ Fantasy-point performance.

NWM's work came in bursts. Two goals from midfield entries, constant movement between wing and centre bounce, and a direct involvement in five first-half scores. The Saints aren't hiding what they're planning — they're advertising it.

Darcy Moore's absence left Collingwood's backline slightly exposed, which contributed to the Saints' ability to score. Nothing structural to read into, but worth noting for Round 1 injury tracking.

Three Players to Watch for Round 1

1. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (DEF, $1,163,000) — St Kilda

The numbers: 24 disposals, 2 goals, 6 inside 50s.

The experiment is real. NWM pushed into the centre bounce on multiple occasions and St Kilda didn't pull him back — they leaned into it. Two goals from a player priced as a defensive halfback is the kind of positional arbitrage SuperCoach rewards richly.

At $1,163,000 he's expensive, but a genuine 95-110 averaging season becomes plausible if this role holds. The upside from his existing defensive baseline is enormous.

Verdict: High-price, high-ceiling. If his CBA% is 30%+ from Round 1, he's a top-5 DEF lock.

2. Nick Daicos (DEF, $988,000) — Collingwood

The numbers: 30 disposals. In a loss. On a day Collingwood were less organised without Moore.

Daicos is immune to the external environment. Whether the team wins or loses, whether the system is clicking or not, he finds the ball. Thirty disposals off a defensive position is the work of a generational talent. Set and forget for any SuperCoach format.

Verdict: Lock. If you have the coins, you don't question Daicos.

3. Mattaes Phillipou (FWD) — St Kilda

The numbers: 21 disposals, part of the Saints' onball group.

Phillipou continues to develop into a genuine inside-midfield forward. His 21 disposals came with hard work at the contest and constant movement — he's built for the role St Kilda want him to play. At mid-price as a FWD, he provides reliable scoring from an important role.

Verdict: Reliable mid-price FWD. The role is locked in and the output backs it up.

Other SuperCoach Notes

• Marcus Windhager (MID, St Kilda): 31 disposals. This man just finds the football. If he repeats this level in the real season, his price looks like a steal.
• Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood MID): 19 disposals. The ageless wonder continues — though at this stage of career, the question is whether his scoring holds across a full season.
• Josh Daicos (DEF, Collingwood): 22 disposals. Consistent as always. A reliable premium DEF option.
• Jack Sinclair (DEF, St Kilda): 27 disposals. Already in form — the set-and-forget DEF premium looks as reliable as ever going into 2026.
• Liam Stocker (St Kilda): 13 disposals in a contested role. Firmed for Round 1 selection.

Injury Watch

| Player | Club | Issue | R1 Impact | |--------|------|-------|-----------| | Darcy Moore | Collingwood | Managed | Expected fit — conservative | | Callum Wilkie | St Kilda | Managed (precautionary) | Expected fit Round 1 |

The Bottom Line

This game matters more for the role signal than the result. NWM through the centre is real, Windhager is going to score plenty regardless of the system, and Daicos will deliver 30 touches whether his team wins by 50 or loses by 9.

The takeaway for your team: if St Kilda confirm NWM's midfield role through the full AAMI Series, he becomes one of the most compelling premium DEF picks in the competition. Watch his CBA numbers closely over the next two weeks.

-SMc

For more pre-season analysis, see our Rookie Power Rankings Traffic Light Guide and the AAMI Community Series wrap.