Nicky Winmar statue to be removed from stadium after assault conviction

A bronze statue honoring former AFL player Nicky Winmar is slated for removal from Perth Stadium after he was convicted of assaulting a woman in Victoria. Western Australia Premier Roger Cook has directed that the statue be taken down, emphasizing the need to send a strong community message against violence. "Violence against women is never acceptable, and it is important we send a strong message to the community," Mr. Cook stated. "Following Nicky Winmar's conviction, I'm of the firm view that it is no longer appropriate for that statue to be displayed."

The statue, unveiled in 2019, commemorates a pivotal moment in AFL history in 1993 when Winmar, a proud Noongar man, raised his St Kilda guernsey and pointed to his skin in response to racial abuse from Collingwood fans. Winmar played 251 AFL games for St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs during his career. He was originally from Western Australia.

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Violence against women is never acceptable, and it is important we send a strong message to the community. Following Nicky Winmar's conviction, I'm of the firm view that it is no longer appropriate for that statue to be displayed.

In May 2025, a woman Winmar was accused of assaulting told the Bendigo Magistrates' Court that she felt "fearful" for her life during the incident in Cohuna. The prosecution alleged Winmar grabbed and twisted her arm, dragged her by her hair, and repeatedly smashed her head against a wooden door. The defense, however, argued that Winmar's contact with the woman's arm was in self-defense. A magistrate found Winmar guilty on Friday of three counts of unlawful assault and common law assault, acquitting him of a fourth charge of intentionally causing injury.

VenuesWest, the state government entity that owns and manages sports venues, confirmed that arrangements are being made for the statue's removal in conjunction with the AFL. The exact timeline for the statue's removal remains unclear. Winmar is scheduled to return to court in August for a pre-sentence hearing.

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