Winmar's Gesture A Pivotal Moment Of Reconciliation
The Age
Friday April 4, 2008
ROUND 3 of the 1993 AFL season saw St Kilda play Collingwood at the Magpie's former home ground of Victoria Park. St Kilda won but the day is remembered more for team champion and indigenous player Nicky Winmar's reaction to racist heckling from the crowd. At the end of the match, he lifted his jumper and pointed at his skin, a gesture of pride in his heritage and a moment that became pivotal in the AFL's racial vilification dialogue. Winmar's defiant stance, captured by The Age photographer Wayne Ludbey, revealed both the best and the worst elements in our sporting and cultural psyche. The incident and this photograph played a significant part in changing attitudes and led to broader discussions of reconciliation between indigenous and white Australia.
Since 1993, the AFL has put in place many programs aimed at eradicating racial vilification and celebrating indigenous footballers.Nicky Winmar continues to be a role model mentoring young indigenous players entering the AFL arena. -- LUCAS CARTER
© 2008 The Age
