UPDATE: AFL legend Nicky Winmar has been charged with assault after allegedly dragging a woman by her hair and twisting her arm. This shocking incident reportedly occurred on May 14, 2023, in Cohuna, located northwest of Echuca. Winmar appeared via video link at the Kerang Magistrates Court in northern Victoria on Thursday, where details of the allegations were disclosed.
According to charge sheets, Winmar, aged 59, is accused of intentionally causing injury to a woman by grabbing her hair and dragging her. These new allegations come just two months before he faces separate charges in Melbourne for allegedly choking another individual on July 18. It remains unclear whether there are multiple victims involved across these incidents.
Prosecutor Annina Tropea informed the court that an adjournment was needed as additional charges had only recently been filed. This delay will allow the police informant to conduct further inquiries. Magistrate Sharon McRae granted this adjournment, setting the next court date for November at the Kerang Magistrates Court. Winmar’s engagement with a court-mandated integrated services program was noted positively, with the former football star briefly stating he understood the court orders.
The AFL community is closely monitoring these developments, as Winmar is celebrated not only for his sports achievements, including being the first Aboriginal player to reach 200 games, but also for his courageous stand against racism throughout his career. In a pivotal moment in 1993, Winmar famously lifted his jumper to showcase his skin in response to racial abuse from the crowd.
In March, he was invited to co-lead a landmark racism class action in the Supreme Court, representing other retired Indigenous players, including Phil Krakouer. With two court appearances scheduled in the coming months, the implications of these charges are significant for Winmar’s legacy and the ongoing conversation around racism in sports.
The situation is developing and will be updated as more information emerges. The next court session in November will be crucial in determining the future for Winmar, once a celebrated athlete, now facing serious legal challenges.
