The AFL, in conjunction with EQ Media Group, is pleased to launch a new documentary film Unveiling an Icon which celebrates the contribution of Wilman Noongar and 251-game St Kilda/Western Bulldogs champion Nicky Winmar and the iconic moment he pointed to his chest to make a stance against racism.
Directed by award winning film-maker Larissa Behrendt, Unveiling an Icon highlights the impact of Winmar’s action that was captured by photographer Wayne Ludbey in Round Four at Victoria Park in 1993. The film also showcases the process of renown sculptor Louis Lauman immortalizing Winmar’s historic moment and its unveiling on Whadjuk Noongar land outside Optus Stadium in 2019.
In addition, Unveiling an Icon includes reflections from fellow Indigenous AFL champions including Sydney Swans legends Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin, Gilbert McAdam (St Kilda/Brisbane Bears) and Andrew Krakouer (Richmond/Collingwood), along with AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch, Dr. Sean Gorman and Professor John Maynard.
Winmar, a two-time All-Australian player, Indigenous Team of the Century member and first Indigenous footballer to play 200 AFL games, said he didn’t realise his stance would become one of the most iconic moments in Australian Football.
“When I saw the photo of me the next day in the newspapers, I remember thinking ‘Wow, I think I might have caused something here’,” Winmar said in the documentary.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve done and honoured to be part of this documentary that celebrates my contribution to the game and its impact both on and off the field.”
AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said the moment was bigger than the game itself.
“My first reaction seeing that image of Nicky was one of pride. To think that he responded in that way in front of thousands of people was extraordinary,” Ms. Hosch said.
“Sport has a unique ability to shine a light on issues such as racism that people would traditionally walk past every day. Nicky’s stance on racism and the impact it has had on the game and the wider community both then and now has been remarkable.
“The outpouring of joy from the community to see an Aboriginal man commemorated in the form of a statue, which we don’t see often across Australia, was pretty special.”
Director Larissa Behrendt said, “Nicky Winmar gave Australia an enduring image of First Nations pride. Memorialising the historic moment provides an opportunity to look at the pervasiveness of racism and to celebrate the work being done to counter it.
“Unveiling an Icon celebrates both Nicky Winmar and Gilbert McAdam - who were both on the field that day and who have each, in their different ways, changed the playing field for future generations.”
Unveiling an Icon will be available on AFL On Demand from 3pm (AEDT) on Wednesday April 13 which coincides with the anniversary of the iconic moment that occurred on April 17, 1993.
