Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has made a powerful stand against racism by recreating Nicky Winmar's iconic gesture during Thursday night's match against Brisbane. The 20-year-old Indigenous star scored five goals to help his side to a 14-point win, and after his first goal he lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin, mirroring Winmar's famous stance from April 1993.
Ugle-Hagan had been racially abused by spectators during and after the Bulldogs' round-two loss to St Kilda. The AFL and St Kilda have condemned the remarks, with St Kilda stating the culprits will be banned from future games. Ugle-Hagan took time away from the club on Monday to process the abuse but returned to what he called his 'family' at the Bulldogs.
Speaking after the match, Ugle-Hagan said players are 'getting sick of' racism and are making a stand. He urged fans to call out racist behaviour in the crowd rather than leaving it to players to report. 'I'd rather someone in the [crowd] point it out,' he said. His mother, Alice Ugle, earlier detailed the verbal abuse her son received.
The 2020 No.1 draft pick also presented Indigenous teammate Arthur Jones with his club jumper ahead of Jones's debut. Ugle-Hagan has played 25 games for the Bulldogs. The AFL is investigating the incidents from the round-two contest.
