Former AFL Figure's Fury Over Astronaut's Prestigious Honour
Ricky Nixon, the controversial former AFL player manager, has launched a scathing attack on the decision to name astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg as the Australian of the Year, branding the selection as merely ticking "all woke boxes". The outburst came via a Facebook post where Nixon questioned the timing and merit of the award.
Nixon's Social Media Tirade Against Space Pioneer
Bennell-Pegg made history by becoming the first person to qualify as an Australian astronaut through Australia's own space programme, graduating from Basic Astronaut Training in 2024 as part of a six-person class at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany. Despite this groundbreaking achievement, Nixon dismissed her selection with a series of pointed criticisms.
"Australian of the year. Makes sense ticks all woke boxes," Nixon wrote in his inflammatory post. He then listed four objections:
- "We are four weeks into the year."
- "Identifies as female - well so far anyway."
- "Done nothing whatsoever to change your life or mine."
- "Will spend most of the year in a space very few have been to."
The former AFL figure went further, encouraging his followers to "complain bitch whinge sook" about Bennell-Pegg's selection before revealing his own preferred candidate for the prestigious honour.
Alternative Nominations and Public Backlash
Nixon nominated Akis Theodosi, who organises Supporting the Battlers weekly to assist those struggling financially, describing him as a "#Legend". His controversial take found support among some followers in the comments section, with several alternative suggestions emerging.
Among those proposed were AFL legend Neale Daniher, who served as the 2025 Australian of the Year, Major Brendan Nottle from the Salvation Army, Bondi massacre hero Ahmed Al Ahmed, and recently retired cricket star Usman Khawaja. The discussion highlighted divided opinions about what constitutes appropriate recognition for the nation's highest civic honour.
Bennell-Pegg's Vision for Her Term
Despite the criticism, Bennell-Pegg, who is still awaiting her first spaceflight assignment, outlined ambitious plans for her year as Australian of the Year. She expressed her intention to use the platform to encourage more Australians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
"I have not been to space yet, but I accept this recognition very gratefully as a mission of a different kind," the astronaut stated. "To help open doors to space, to STEM, and to help others to see further. As humans venture around the moon once more, I hope that we'll all look up, knowing that there is no aspiration too big for any Australian, or for Australia."
Nixon's Troubled Recent History
The outburst comes during a difficult period for Nixon, who has been grappling with both health concerns and legal troubles. Earlier this month, he was rushed to hospital by ambulance after knocking himself unconscious in a fall at his Melbourne home.
"I just had a fall in the shower and must have knocked myself out," Nixon explained. "I must have been screaming in pain and my next door neighbour called an ambulance... it is the second time in three months I've been knocked out. I can't remember the incident... but I must have hit my head along the rail."
In December, Nixon faced legal consequences for misleading football fans. The 62-year-old was found guilty of fraud charges relating to selling premiership footballs with fake signatures. He represented himself during proceedings at Melbourne Magistrates' Court, where he contested four fraud charges.
The case involved footballs Nixon sold for $595 each, including $20 postage, which he claimed were signed by Melbourne Demons premiership players following their historic 2021 victory. Team captain Max Gawn and other players provided evidence during the hearing, while three victims testified about purchasing the allegedly fraudulent memorabilia through Facebook advertisements.
