A statue honoring Australian Football League (AFL) great Nicky Winmar is slated for removal from Perth's Optus Stadium after the former player was convicted of assaulting a woman. The decision was announced Friday by Western Australia Premier Roger Cook.
The conviction stems from an incident on May 14, 2025, in Cohuna, northern Victoria, where Winmar, 60, was found guilty of three charges, including common law assault and unlawful assault. The woman involved alleged that Winmar became enraged, grabbed her arm, twisted it, dragged her by her hair, pushed her against a wall, spat in her face, and repeatedly bashed her head against a wooden door. She testified that she was "petrified" and "fearful for my life" during the attack.
Magistrate Trieu Huynh found the accuser to be a credible witness, accepting her account of the assault despite some inconsistencies. Winmar was acquitted of a more serious charge of intentionally causing injury, as the magistrate determined the pain experienced by the victim did not meet the threshold for that specific offense. Winmar admitted to slapping the woman's arm but denied other allegations, claiming she had assaulted him.
Premier Cook stated that "violence against women is never acceptable, and it is important we send a strong message to the community." He added, "Following Nicky Winmar's conviction, I'm of the firm view that it is no longer appropriate for that statue to be displayed."
The statue commemorates a significant moment in Winmar's career: in 1993, he famously stood before a racist crowd at Victoria Park, lifted his jersey, and pointed to his skin, a powerful act of defiance against racism. Winmar was the first Aboriginal player to reach 200 games in the AFL and finished his career with 230 games for St. Kilda and 21 for the Western Bulldogs. He is also involved in a class-action lawsuit against the AFL concerning racism.
Winmar's pre-sentencing hearing has been adjourned to August, and his bail has been extended.