Racially abused Bulldogs player makes a stand on 30th anniversary of Nicky Winmar’s AFL statement

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

Ugle-Hagan has been through a torrid time since he was racially abused by fans during and after his team’s second round loss to St Kilda.

But the 20-year-old indigenous star responded in sensational fashion on Thursday night, matching a career-high of five goals to lead the Bulldogs to a 14-point victory over Brisbane.

Ugle-Hagan addressed the Marvel Stadium crowd after his opening goal, lifting his jersey and pointing to his skin, reflecting Winmar’s iconic gesture.

It came almost 30 years after Winmar faced racist abuse from Collingwood fans at Victoria Park in April 1993.

“In the past they would have had a much worse time, but now the players are getting tired and taking a stand,” Ugle-Hagan said.

“We’re calling them and we’re working it out, and they’re all behind us today.”

Earlier in the week, Ugle-Hagan’s mother, Alice Ugle, detailed the verbal abuse her son received from the crowd last Saturday.

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

‘You can hear a thousand compliments and then a bad comment that you will remember.

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

Ugle-Hagan took time off from the club on Monday while he dealt with the situation.

But he returned to his Bulldogs ‘family’ and accepted an invitation to present his Indigenous teammate, Arthur Jones, his club jersey ahead of the 19-year-old’s debut.

Ugle-Hagan, the first pick in the 2020 draft, has played in 25 games for the Bulldogs.

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

The Bulldogs, Saints and AFL condemned the “damaging and abhorrent racist comments” made against Ugle-Hagan.

The young star urged fans to report racist behavior to help take it down.

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

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

“That goes for any race, not just Aboriginal and indigenous children.”

Bulldogs manager Luke Beveridge, Winmar’s former St Kilda teammate, said he was “incredibly proud” of Ugle-Hagan, calling it a “special night” for the third-year striker.

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

“It is a reminder of the influence Indigenous Australians have had on Australian rules football and the importance of how they have fueled a 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 has said will no longer be welcome at its games.

The Bulldogs, Saints and AFL condemned the “damaging and abhorrent racist comments” made against Ugle-Hagan.

“The really disappointing circumstance that took place last week is just 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’s been able to do tonight, and we’re lucky to have him.”

Brisbane manager Chris Fagan did not know Ugle-Hagan made the anti-racism gesture until told after the game, but said he admired the player’s stance.

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

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