Western Bulldogs ahead Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has been lauded for his bravery and management in response to racial abuse after repeating Nicky Winmar’s iconic anti-racism gesture.
Ugle-Hagan lifted his jumper and pointed to his pores and skin after kicking the opening purpose within the Bulldogs’ win over Brisbane on Thursday evening.
The 20-year-old completed with 5 majors – equalling his career-best tally – and had an enormous say of their 10.7 (67) to 7.11 (53) victory.
His instinctive recreation of Winmar’s gesture got here simply 5 days after Ugle-Hagan was racially abused throughout and after the round-two loss to St Kilda.
It is nearly 30 years to the day after former Saints champion Winmar stood as much as racist abuse from Collingwood followers at Victoria Park in April 1993.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, a former St Kilda teammate of Winmar’s, mentioned he was “incredibly proud” of Ugle-Hagan and known as it a “special night” for the third-year ahead.
“He made a statement with that gesture but also he made a significant statement with his performance,” Beveridge mentioned.
“It’s a reminder of the influence that Indigenous Australians have had on Aussie Rules football and the significance of how they’ve driven love and passion for the game.”
The AFL is investigating final week’s racial abuse however is but to establish the culprits, who St Kilda have mentioned will not be welcome at their video games.
The Bulldogs, Saints and AFL all condemned the “harmful and abhorrent racist remarks” made in opposition to Ugle-Hagan.
“The really disappointing circumstance that took place last week is just a reminder to us all that we’ve still got a long way to go,” Beveridge mentioned.
“But we’re unbelievably proud of (Ugle-Hagan) and what he’s been able to do tonight, and we’re lucky to have him.”
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan did not know Ugle-Hagan carried out the anti-racism gesture till he was informed about it post-match, however mentioned he admired the participant’s stance.
“I think it was a good thing to do,” Fagan mentioned.
“I didn’t realise he did it, but good on him.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
