AFL legend Nicky Winmar is facing serious legal issues following allegations of assault involving two separate incidents. The former St Kilda star appeared via video link at the Kerang Magistrates Court in northern Victoria, where he was charged with assaulting a woman in Cohuna on May 14. Specific details of the accusations were not disclosed in court; however, charge sheets indicate that Winmar is alleged to have dragged the woman by her hair and twisted her arm, purportedly causing injury.
The 59-year-old also faces additional charges in Melbourne related to a serious incident that took place on July 18, where he is accused of choking, strangling, or suffocating another woman. The redacted charge sheets leave ambiguity regarding whether there are multiple victims involved across both allegations.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Annina Tropea requested an adjournment to allow for recently filed additional charges to be processed and for further investigations by the police informant. The magistrate, Sharon McRae, granted this adjournment, with the case scheduled to return to court in November. McRae acknowledged that Winmar has been cooperating with a court-integrated services program mandated as part of his bail conditions, and Winmar briefly confirmed his understanding of the court orders presented.
In addition to his court appearances in Kerang, Winmar is due back in Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month. Winmar is a prominent figure in the AFL, known for his historic achievement as the first Aboriginal player to complete 200 games in the league, amassing 230 games with St Kilda and 21 with the Western Bulldogs. His career was marked by his courageous stance against racism, famously addressing abuse directed at him by a Collingwood crowd in 1993 by proudly showcasing his heritage.
In March of this year, Winmar was also involved in a landmark racism class action in the Supreme Court, which was brought forth by other retired Indigenous players including Phil Krakouer.
Support resources are available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for those affected by similar issues.