The Western Australian Government has ordered the removal of the bronze statue of former AFL star Nicky Winmar from Optus Stadium after he was convicted of assaulting a woman in Victoria. The decision was announced by WA Premier Roger Cook, who said that while Winmar's contribution to Australian football and his stand against racism remain historically significant, the conviction meant it was no longer appropriate for the statue to remain on public display.
The statue, unveiled in 2019, commemorates one of the most iconic moments in Australian sporting history. It depicts Winmar lifting his St Kilda jumper and pointing to his skin during a 1993 AFL match against Collingwood after enduring racist abuse from spectators. The gesture became a defining symbol in the fight against racism in Australian sport and has long been recognised as a milestone in the AFL's journey toward greater inclusion and respect for Indigenous players.
On 3 July 2026, the Bendigo Magistrates' Court found Winmar guilty of three assault offences involving a woman during an incident at Cohuna, Victoria, in May 2025. Magistrate Trieu Huynh found that Winmar grabbed the woman's arm, dragged her by the hair and repeatedly struck her head against a wooden door. He was acquitted of one charge of intentionally causing injury but convicted on two counts of common law assault and one count of unlawful assault. A pre-sentence hearing has been scheduled for August.
Following the court's decision, Premier Cook said that violence against women is never acceptable and that public monuments should reflect values the community wishes to uphold. He directed Venues West, the state agency responsible for managing Optus Stadium, to begin arrangements for the statue's removal. Venues West confirmed it would work with the AFL to remove the monument, although no timeline has yet been announced.
The decision has prompted mixed public reactions. Some believe removing the statue is appropriate given the seriousness of the offences and the importance of sending a clear message about family and domestic violence. Others argue the statue commemorates a historically important anti-racism moment rather than celebrating Winmar's personal life, suggesting the monument's historical significance should be considered separately from his criminal conviction.
Winmar remains one of the AFL's most influential Indigenous players, having played 251 games for St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs during his career. His 1993 anti-racism gesture is widely regarded as one of the most powerful images in Australian sporting history and has been credited with helping change public attitudes toward racial vilification in football. Nevertheless, government officials say public monuments also represent community values and accountability.
The removal of the statue marks a significant and symbolic decision for Western Australia, reflecting the balance between recognising important historical achievements and responding to serious criminal convictions involving public figures. As the legal process continues ahead of sentencing, the debate surrounding Winmar's legacy is expected to continue within both the sporting community and the broader public.
