Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan pointed to his skin and was swarmed by teammates after kicking the first goal of Thursday night’s clash with the Brisbane Lions following a week in which he was racially abused.
Ugle-Hagan, 20, spent Monday away from the club after being racially abused, reportedly by multiple fans, both during and after his side’s loss to St Kilda in Round 2.
Taking to the field on Thursday night, Ugle-Hagan booted a goal in the opening three minutes of play, before turning to the crowd, lifting his shirt and pointing to his skin as teammates came running to celebrate with him.
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It was a moment that drew comparisons to AFL great Nicky Winmar, who in 1993 took a now-famous stand against racism during St Kilda’s clash with Collingwood.
The 30th anniversary of that moment will come in April.
During the week, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was full of praise for the former number one draft pick.
“Jamarra, he‘s a strong Indigenous man and he’ll absolutely take it in his stride,” Beveridge said.
“He‘ll feel he needs to represent and show the way and we’re looking forward to having him as part of the team tomorrow night.
‘He’s fine – he’s very appreciative of all the support … there was never any indication he was going to let something like this get on top of him.
“(That) is unbelievably admirable. He‘s ready to go.”
The Dogs, St Kilda and the AFL released statements throughout the week condemning racial vilification.
