Winmar statue unveiled - and the Western Saints do us proud

[SemperFidelis]

“St Kilda fans went wild outside Optus Stadium on Saturday as Nicky Winmar and other Aboriginal football greats unveiled the statue depicting Winmar’s famous gesture in response to racist abuse on the football field. ...

The Western Saints marched across Matagarup Bridge chanting the club's song at the top of their lungs at 11.45am before the unveiling on the banks of the Swan River and ahead of the crucial 50th Western Derby between West Coast and Fremantle on Saturday night.”


https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.smh ... 524qt.html


Fantastic effort by the Western Saints. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who was there.

Go Nicky, go Saints!

[SemperFidelis]

[evertonfc]

We have always had amazing support in WA!

This makes me so proud to see.

I hope all Sainters going to Perth pay homage to a legend.

I’m so proud that one of our own has been recognised so far away. Wonderful.

[derby Street]

We have always had amazing support in WA!

This makes me so proud to see.

I hope all Sainters going to Perth pay homage to a legend.

I’m so proud that one of our own has been recognised so far away. Wonderful.

Agree, they are great Saint supporters - fantastic that they made the effort to support Nicky and the saints. Now I am just waiting for the usual suspects to come on and poor scorn & ridicule on it.

[HighettMan]

We have always had amazing support in WA!

This makes me so proud to see.

I hope all Sainters going to Perth pay homage to a legend.

I’m so proud that one of our own has been recognised so far away. Wonderful.

Agree, they are great Saint supporters - fantastic that they made the effort to support Nicky and the saints. Now I am just waiting for the usual suspects to come on and poor scorn & ridicule on it.

They'll be the same people that will argue rasism has nothing to do with footy and our club.

[The Fireman]

Proud day for Nick..i was there the day he did it..didn't realize how big that gesture would become, all I could think of at the time was how great he was to stand up to the filth at Vic Park,
they were shocking , they really were the worst supporters and as far as I'm concerned they are filth to this day.

Winmar is a Legend.

[Waltzing St Kilda]

Was there that day but didn't see Nicky raise his jumper. Anyone actually witness that? Or did only Pies members see it?

[B.M]

Winmar was that great, that even though he was rated, he was underrated!

His stance on racism was truly significant, hopefully it doesn’t overshadow just how good he was?!

Combination of
Classy and tough
X Factor and consistency
Brilliance and fundamental
Match winner and good in losses
Naturally gifted and hard worker

He was so good to watch, to see him take a speccy or a one handed pick up on the run or a barrel from 60 or a lace out pass or a left foot snap or a brutal tackle
He had it all!!!
Could play Wing, HB, HF, FF, On Ball he was a star

The statue should be At Moorabbin

[Enrico_Misso]

Yes, wish it was at Linton St.
But apparently NEW wanted it over there.

[The Fireman]

why can't they they just duplicate it for Linton st.

[mr six o'clock]

We need a heap of statues at Moorabbin.
Nicky taking a speccy
Barks the same
Plugger throwing a crutch
Sidebottom getting hit with a beer can
Fehrings goal
The doc missing a knee
Big carls headband
Loewe holding eggs
Phil carmen headbutting an ump
One of the police horses reliving themselves in the middle of the ground during an interval
The cheer squad carrying a blanket whilst suffering shrapnel wounds from the generously donating fans .

There is just so much to commemorate at the old ground

[Ape_Man]

This is just amazing for Cuz, what he did that day was historic.

It was raw, honest and confronting.

This one action helped change a nation.

It wasn’t through outrage, nor protest, but by simple identity. A finger, a middle one at that, that pointed at something that made far too many people uncomfortable for no reason.

It ignited change in Australia.

What that day at Victoria Park helped achieve can not be understated. It led to open discussion of racism in the media at unprecedented levels.

By the end of that season the AFL had promised to create a code of conduct for players and teams.

The statue does not belong at Linton St, nor Victoria Park. It needs to be where people can see it for generations.

Let them know what came before and that, sometimes, a single moment can make a difference.

That is my hope anyway.

[one point]

Was there that day but didn't see Nicky raise his jumper. Anyone actually witness that? Or did only Pies members see it?

Saw it. I had the binoculars on Nicky as he was walking off the ground. Fantastic moment. Seemed to take the football world a long time to realise the significance of it. Great to see it honoured with a statue.

[leighsaintsince66]

I too was there that day and don't recall Nicky raising his jumper, nor do I remember hearing of this gesture in the immediate aftermath of that famous match.
I have no doubt now however that the gesture is rightly recognized as a pivotal moment in the game's folklore.
A truly historic moment that deserves to be remembered in the form of a statue..
You are a legend Nicky and your legacy will remain forever!

[Scollop]

This is just amazing for Cuz, what he did that day was historic.

It was raw, honest and confronting.

This one action helped change a nation.

It wasn’t through outrage, nor protest, but by simple identity. A finger, a middle one at that, that pointed at something that made far too many people uncomfortable for no reason.

It ignited change in Australia.

What that day at Victoria Park helped achieve can not be understated. It led to open discussion of racism in the media at unprecedented levels.

By the end of that season the AFL had promised to create a code of conduct for players and teams.

The statue does not belong at Linton St, nor Victoria Park. It needs to be where people can see it for generations.

Let them know what came before and that, sometimes, a single moment can make a difference.

That is my hope anyway.

I remember the president of Collingwood coming out and saying that he'd accept the aboriginal players as long as they "conducted themselves like white people" off the field. In other words, their culture was beneath the white people and there was nothing to be proud of in being an indigenous man.

http://www.dscribe.net.au/2018/05/21/im ... ky-winmar/

Most white Anglos (and I know there'll be people that will dispute whether it was a small percentage of Anglos or whether indeed it was the majority of Anglo Australia that) thought exactly the same as Allan at the time and as far as abos and boongs were concerned they had to know their place in the white mans world.

As far as he and all other racists were concerned they'd never consider indigenous culture as equal or as important as 'white Australian' culture. McAllalister wasn't saying anything unusual...or illegal (this was a time just 20 odd years after aboriginals people were counted as humans in Australia and not as part of the flora and fauna) and before racial villification laws were passed.

This was the legacy of 200 years of colonisation with more recent continuous governement policies in the 20th century (when Allan and his brethren were growing up) all based on the extinguishment of the aboriginal people. There were various euphamisms like 'assimilation' and the like, but basically white Australia was engaged in genocide.

Winmar made a stand on behalf of his culture and on behalf of all dark skinned indigenous people but even leaders and role models can be vulnerable when it comes to racism. We applaud Cuz for making a stand and saying enough is enough to the feral bogans, but what is lost sometimes is the incredible personal hurt that Nicky felt and relives every day of his life

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-05/ ... o/11282028

[minneapolis]

I was there that day with my new American girlfriend. It was her first game. I thought long and hard whether to take her but ended up as usual with "what the hell....just do it" decision.

We were on the outer side of the ground and did not see it. Nor did we hear about for a few days.

My overwhelming thought is what would have happened if the photograph was not taken? Probably nothing. Life can change in a split second can't it?

I also remember wondering if I was going to get out of there without a punch in the face. I took my scarf off. Last time I ever went to Victoria Park.

And I am married to that girl still.

[SemperFidelis]

A really good piece by a Perth MP:

https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/afl/bu ... 1422666593

[SaintPav]

Pity there's not one for the G as well.

[HighettMan]

A really good piece by a Perth MP:

https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/afl/bu ... 1422666593

Thanks for sharing. A great read.

Have the courage to call out rasism.

[saint64]

I was there yesterday. I have rarely been to such a feel-good event. There was a great mix of St Kilda supporters and aboriginal people. Most significant WA politicians were there, and quite a few past aboriginal players from various clubs from WA and interstate. Big Gill was there, proclaiming his life long support for the Saints. Everyone was trying to get a photo with Nicki after the unveiling (me included ). No-one was in a hurry to rush off afterwards. It was an event that will long live in the memory of the Saints fans who were there, and we will be reminded of it every time we go to a game, as Nicky's statue stands in pride of place at the ground. Well done by Trav, Sharon and the rest of the Western Saints team for ensuring strong Sainter support.

[derby Street]

I was there yesterday. I have rarely been to such a feel-good event. There was a great mix of St Kilda supporters and aboriginal people. Most significant WA politicians were there, and quite a few past aboriginal players from various clubs from WA and interstate. Big Gill was there, proclaiming his life long support for the Saints. Everyone was trying to get a photo with Nicki after the unveiling (me included ). No-one was in a hurry to rush off afterwards. It was an event that will long live in the memory of the Saints fans who were there, and we will be reminded of it every time we go to a game, as Nicky's statue stands in pride of place at the ground. Well done by Trav, Sharon and the rest of the Western Saints team for ensuring strong Sainter support.

Was Loris there - she has been missing on here. I probably know why.

[saint64]

I was there yesterday. I have rarely been to such a feel-good event. There was a great mix of St Kilda supporters and aboriginal people. Most significant WA politicians were there, and quite a few past aboriginal players from various clubs from WA and interstate. Big Gill was there, proclaiming his life long support for the Saints. Everyone was trying to get a photo with Nicki after the unveiling (me included ). No-one was in a hurry to rush off afterwards. It was an event that will long live in the memory of the Saints fans who were there, and we will be reminded of it every time we go to a game, as Nicky's statue stands in pride of place at the ground. Well done by Trav, Sharon and the rest of the Western Saints team for ensuring strong Sainter support.

Was Loris there - she has been missing on here. I probably know why.

yes, she was. I only spoke to her briefly though.

[loris]

I was there yesterday. I have rarely been to such a feel-good event. There was a great mix of St Kilda supporters and aboriginal people. Most significant WA politicians were there, and quite a few past aboriginal players from various clubs from WA and interstate. Big Gill was there, proclaiming his life long support for the Saints. Everyone was trying to get a photo with Nicki after the unveiling (me included ). No-one was in a hurry to rush off afterwards. It was an event that will long live in the memory of the Saints fans who were there, and we will be reminded of it every time we go to a game, as Nicky's statue stands in pride of place at the ground. Well done by Trav, Sharon and the rest of the Western Saints team for ensuring strong Sainter support.

I was there too saint64. Such a moving day for all concerned.

I was bursting with pride as the Nyoongar mob, waving their aboriginal/TSI and St. Kilda flags led us St Kilda supporters singing ‘oh When The Saints Come Marching In’, as one with them over the magnificent Matagarup Bridge.

For those people (I previously was one who thought it should be located in Melbourne somewhere), who believe it should not be located in Perth, sorry you are very, very wrong. Nicky wanted it here, Nicky is a proud Nyoongar man. If you could have felt the pride and emotion from all the Nyoongar mob in attendance, you may change. Your opinion. A proud Whadjuk man, tried to explain to me what it means to him and his mob as tears rolled down his cheeks. He was inconsolable with pride. His grandchildren all had ‘that photo’ in plastic sleeves, so they wouldn’t get wet in the rain. They wanted Nicky to sign their pictures. Too young to know about Nicky Winmar, they just have that iconic photo that means so much to them as a people. Nicky’s stance against racism then, still helps them today.

As ‘saint64’ said, it was joyous to see so many former aboriginal players from WA and interstate in attendance to honour Nicky. And there were a number of past WA players (non aboriginal) of Nicky’s era there as well. It made me tear up a when I saw Gil McAdam with tears in his eyes. So love that little Sainter.

Politicians of all persuasion were there. Our State Treasurer Ben Wyatt, an indigenous man, fittingly was MC.
Ben, the Premier and Gillon McLachlan all spoke exceptionally well on the impact Nicky’s action had then, but more importantly it has today as a reminder to fight against racism.
Gill reminded the crowd he was a Saints man from way back and still is today! For me the best speaker (apart from Neil Elvis Winmar) was Tanya Hosch, from AFL’s Inclusion & Social Policy Unit, it was so heartfelt. Over the journey of this statue she has obviously gained so much respect for our humble champ Nicky Winmar.

Also present were the sculptor of the statue (sorry name escapes me) and Wayne Ludbey the photographer who captured that brave moment in history, which confronted the footballing public of the shame of racism in our game. The 2 fellows who first thought up the idea of crowd funding for the statue were in attendance. Someone mentioned that both the CEO’s from West Coast Eagles & Freo Dockers were there. Hello!!! Where was our CEO? He seems to be into any social issue going - why not this important event for one of our own beloved Sainters? A few of us said we where upset that no official representation from the St Kilda Football Club was there. Why only St Kilda supporters, and Western Saints members? You could have done better management, administration of the STKFC......... Sorry for the negatives folks.

It was a drizzling with rain, which was a real bummer, but when Nicky got up to speak...... Lo and behold the the rain stopped, the sun shone through........ Nicky quipped , “Hey I’ve got the sun to come out!”. Nicky as far as we Sainters are concerned, you lit up our lives many years ago when we watched you play, and you still do today.


Like others in this thread. I was there that day at Victoria Park, but didn’t see Nicky’s courageous stance. I was in the outer, taking my Saints colours off as I just wanted to get out of that place as soon as practicable, unharmed. Victoria Park wasn’t a ground opposition supporters lingered long at after a match..... a very dangerous environment. So sadly I didn’t stay long enough to cheer Gil McAdam, Neil Elvis Winmar off for their fabulous games in our tri-colour. I owed it to Nicky to tun up yesterday to see the unveiling of his statue. Yes Nicky it’s in its rightful place on Nyoongar land and we will look after ‘Nicky’ for you, as you asked us to do at the end of your speech.

[SemperFidelis]

Thanks saint64 and Loris for your fantastic reports.

I feel happy knowing that you’re both there looking after “Nicky” for all of us.

[mcadam05]

We have always had amazing support in WA!

This makes me so proud to see.

I hope all Sainters going to Perth pay homage to a legend.

I’m so proud that one of our own has been recognised so far away. Wonderful.

Agree, they are great Saint supporters - fantastic that they made the effort to support Nicky and the saints. Now I am just waiting for the usual suspects to come on and poor scorn & ridicule on it.

They'll be the same people that will argue rasism has nothing to do with footy and our club.

I'm sorry what! In 2023 the club will turn 150yrs old , so please point too a time in our history where "rasism" had anything too do with this club