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Winmar plays didgeridoo before AFL game

3 minute read

AFL Indigenous icon Nicky Winmar has played the didgeridoo before the St Kilda-North Melbourne match in the Sir Doug Nicholls round.

He's at the heart of the AFL Indigenous round, he's designed the St Kilda guernsey for the occasion and now Nicky Winmar is helping provide the soundtrack.

The Saints great played the didgeridoo in the pre-game ceremony for their Sir Doug Nicholls round game against North Melbourne on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.

Cousin Fabian Winmar joined him in the didgeridoo duet.

Winmar, whose middle name is Elvis, also delighted Saints fans during COVID-19 lockdown two years ago when he broke out the didgeridoo in a mid-game online forum.

Indigenous Saints players were prominent in the 53-point win, with Brad Hill outstanding off half-back, while small forward Jade Gresham kicked two goals.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, the nephew of Brownlow Medallist Gavin Wanganeen, delivered a bullet pass that set up Max King for his second goal.

"It is great, especially this week, to acknowledge our indigenous superstars, whether it's St Kilda or it's the players who light up the lights," coach Brett Ratten said.

"The (Lance) Franklins and the Riolis, whether it's Dean Rioli or Cyril Rioli, there's been so many, the Michael Longs, who have played a huge part in AFL football."

The Saints wore Winmar's Indigenous-themed guernsey in Sir Doug Nicholls round for the second year.

The guernsey features a silhouette of the iconic moment in round four of the 1993 season when Winmar raised his jumper and pointed to his skin after the Saints had a famous win over Collingwood at Victoria Park.

Magpies fans had been racially abusing Winmar and teammate Gilbert McAdam and his defiant gesture is an iconic moment in Australian sport.

A statue commemorating the moment was unveiled outside Perth's Optus Stadium three years ago.

Winmar, 56, played 230 games for St Kilda between 1987-98 and another 21 for the Western Bulldogs in 1999.

He was a two-time All-Australian and also won the Saints' best and fairest twice, as well as being named on a wing in the St Kilda team of the century.

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