AFL Hall of Famer Nicky Winmar Claims Self-Defence in Court Over Hair-Dragging Incident
AFL legend Nicky Winmar has informed a Victorian court that he was acting in self-defence when he allegedly dragged a woman by her hair during a confrontation in regional Victoria. The 60-year-old former St Kilda and Western Bulldogs star appeared via video link for a recent court hearing, where magistrates were told he would contest the allegations and rely on a self-defence argument as part of his legal case.
Details of the Regional Victoria Allegation
Police allege that during an incident in Cohuna, in the state's north-west, on May 14 last year, the former footballer twisted a woman's arm and dragged her by the hair. Winmar has been formally charged with assault and intentionally causing injury in relation to this matter. The case experienced a brief delay while prosecutors and defence lawyers discussed procedural issues, but the court was informed that those discussions had concluded and the matter would proceed to a contested hearing.
That hearing has been scheduled to run over two days in Bendigo on May 4 and 5. During his short court appearance, Winmar did not speak, with his lawyer confirming on his behalf that the allegations would be disputed. His bail was extended until the next court date.
Separate Melbourne Court Case Progressing
Simultaneously, a separate case is progressing through the Melbourne Magistrates' Court concerning an alleged incident on July 18, 2025. In this matter, Winmar faces charges of strangling a woman and two additional counts of assault. He denies all allegations in this case and plans to fight the charges at a one-day contested hearing scheduled for August 11.
Magistrates have ruled that the Melbourne and regional cases will be handled separately. It has not been clarified in court whether the complainants in the two matters are the same person, and authorities have not provided further public detail about this aspect of the cases.
Winmar's Football Legacy and Legal Position
Nicky Winmar remains one of the most recognisable Indigenous footballers of his era, having played more than 200 AFL games and earned multiple individual honours. He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2022 and is widely known for his powerful stand against racism during a 1993 match, when he lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin in a moment that became an iconic image in Australian sport.
Prosecutors have indicated they will present evidence at the contested hearings, while the defence maintains that the facts are disputed. The court reminded those present that the charges are allegations and that Winmar is entitled to the presumption of innocence under Australian law.
Both legal matters are expected to return to court later this year, with proceedings ongoing as the former footballer prepares to defend himself against the serious allegations in two separate jurisdictions.
