Marcus Windhager: The AFL’s Premier Tagger at a Career Crossroads

Rising Star in High Demand

St Kilda’s Marcus Windhager currently has a two-year offer from his current club, but is also fielding longer-term offers from other teams. North Melbourne has put forward a five-year offer, while both Melbourne and Essendon have shown strong interest in securing his services.

2025 Season Highlights

Under Ross Lyon’s guidance, Windhager has emerged as one of St Kilda’s most reliable weapons in 2025, successfully taking on some of the AFL’s biggest stars. His recent achievements include shutting down six-time All-Australian midfielder Marcus Bontempelli and Kysaiah Pickett.

In a notable performance against the Western Bulldogs, despite his team’s loss, Windhager managed to restrict Bontempelli to just 13 disposals across 99 minutes, breaking the star’s streak of 106 games with at least 15 disposals. Windhager’s exceptional performance earned him the distinction of being the only Saint to receive coaches’ votes in that match.

Established Track Record

Windhager’s reputation as a shutdown specialist dates back to his debut season in 2022, when he first demonstrated his abilities by holding All-Australian Tim Kelly to a career-low four touches. He followed this up by restricting dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale to a season-low disposal count.

Contract Negotiations

Industry experts suggest that any club serious about securing Windhager’s services will need to offer at least four years, highlighting the current gap between St Kilda’s two-year offer and competing clubs’ proposals. The midfielder has shown versatility beyond his tagging role, developing into an effective ball-winner for the Saints. His decision could be influenced by close friendships at the club, including his former housemate Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

Recent Controversy

Coach Ross Lyon has recently defended Windhager against criticism, noting that close attention to star midfielders has been part of the game ‘since Adam was a boy.’ The controversy intensified after the AFL Tribunal upheld a fine against Windhager for striking Collingwood’s Nick Daicos.