Racially Abused Bulldogs Player Commits to 30th Anniversary of Nicky Winmar’s AFL Statement

Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan hopes his recreation of Nicky Winmar’s famous anti-racial abuse stance can help eradicate racism in the AFL.

Ugle-Hagan has endured a torrid period since he was racially abused by fans during and after his side’s second-round loss to St Kilda.

But the 20-year-old Indigenous star responded in sensational fashion on Thursday night, hitting his best career record to date with five goals to lead the Bulldogs to a 14-point win over Brisbane.

Ugle-Hagan turned to the crowd at Marvel Stadium after scoring his first goal, lifting his sweater and pointing to his skin, mirroring Winmar’s iconic gesture.

It comes almost 30 years to the day after Winmar resisted racial slurs by Collingwood fans at Victoria Park in April 1993.

Josh Bruce celebrates with Ugle-Hagan after the Bulldogs’ shock win over the Brisbane Lions

Nicky Winmar points to his skin despite the racists in the crowd and Ugle-Hagan mimics that statement after being racially abused in the game against St Kilda last week

“They used to have it much worse, but now players are fed up and they’re taking a stand,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“We call them and sort it out, and these days everyone gets behind our backs.”

Earlier in the week, Ugle-Hagan’s mother, Alice Ugle, described the verbal abuse her son was caught in the crowd last Saturday.

“Those comments definitely hurt you as an individual,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“You can hear a thousand compliments and then one bad remark that you will remember.

“But we’re taking a stand and we’re making an impact and hopefully we’re changing and educating people who have no idea that racism isn’t allowed and shouldn’t be a thing.”

The Bulldogs’ Ugle-Hagan celebrates with friends and family after the statement win over the Lions

Ugle-Hagan took time off from the club on Monday to deal with the situation.

But he returned to his Bulldogs’ “family” and accepted an invitation to present Indigenous team-mate Arthur Jones his club sweater ahead of the 19-year-old’s debut.

Ugle-Hagan, the 2020 No.1 draft pick, has played 25 games for the Bulldogs.

The AFL is investigating the incidents from the second round and St Kilda have said the culprits will no longer be welcome at their games.

The Bulldogs, Saints and AFL all condemned the “damaging and obnoxious racist remarks” made against Ugle-Hagan.

The young star urged fans to denounce racist behavior to stamp it out.

“I just want someone to point them out instead of having to contact the club and say this happened,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“I’d rather have someone in the (crowd) point that out and tell them, let them know it’s not the right thing to say.

“That goes for every race, not just Aboriginal and Indigenous boys and girls.”

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, a former St Kilda team-mate of Winmar, said he was “incredibly proud” of Ugle-Hagan and called it a “special night” for the third-year forward.

“He made a statement with that gesture, but he also made a meaningful statement with his performance,” Beveridge said.

“It’s a reminder of the impact that Indigenous Australians have had on Aussie Rules football and the importance of how they drove the love and passion for the game.”

The AFL is investigating last week’s racial abuse but has yet to identify the culprits, who St Kilda have said will no longer be welcome at their games.

Ugle-Hagan was surrounded by fans after the game and beamed all over his face as he took selfies with them in the stands

The Bulldogs, Saints and AFL all condemned the “damaging and obnoxious racist remarks” made against Ugle-Hagan.

“The truly disappointing circumstance that happened last week is a reminder to all of us that we still have a long way to go,” Beveridge said.

“But we’re incredibly proud of (Ugle-Hagan) and what he was able to achieve tonight and we’re lucky to have him.”

Brisbane manager Chris Fagan was unaware of Ugle-Hagan’s anti-racism gesture until he was told about it after the game but said he admired the player’s attitude.

“I think it was a good thing,” Fagan said.

“I didn’t know he did it, but good for him.”