Indigenous legend Nicky Winmar says he’s “proud” of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for standing up for himself and recreating one of football’s most iconic images and that it’s “up to the new generations to reinforce the stance I made back in 1993.”
Ugle-Hagan lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin after kicking his first goal – one of five majors – in the Bulldogs’ win over Brisbane on Thursday night, revealing post-match he wanted to make a “stance” and “show my presence” in an emotional address.
It followed a trying week for the former Pick 1 including him spending time away from Whitten Oval after he was racially abused, both before and after the Dogs’ loss to St Kilda.
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Ugle-Hagan’s brave act drew parallels to Winamar’s famous moment in 1993 when the former Saints star took a stand against racism during a game against Collingwood.
And in a statement released on Friday morning, Winmar threw his support behind Ugle-Hagan and revealed he reached out to Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who did his post-match press conference alongside Ugle-Hagan, to extend his gratitude.
It comes ahead of the 30-year anniversary in April since Winmar’s famous stance, and while the St Kilda great acknowledged there’s still a racial “issue” in society, he said “things are getting better” with increased awareness, education and calling out negative attitudes.
Bevo lauds Jamarra’s Winmar moment! | 13:21
Read the full statement below.
“I’m proud of Jamarra for standing up for himself. It’s up to the new generations to reinforce the stance I made back in 1993. I’m still here, still involved with the issue, but it’s been 30 years now, it’s like a big relay race, time to pass on the baton,” the statement reads.
“I spoke to Luke Beveridge today, to thank him for supporting Jamarra, and other Indigenous players at the Western Bulldogs. It’s a great club, that I respect. I was welcomed and felt supported when I played for them in 1999.
“Things are getting better, with increased awareness, and kids are getting educated in schools now about racism in sport and in society, which is great. There’s still a few who can’t control their negative attitudes, all we can do is keep supporting each other, and keep calling it out.
“I also want to congratulate Jamarra for his outstanding on-field performance – 5 goals, keep up the good work!”
Nicky Winmar
Still black and proud
31st March 2023
