Nicky Winmar statue at Optus in Perth

[George27]

I have just returned from a trip to Perth , where I attended the test match against India at Optus. The less said about the game itself the better. The ground itself is very impressive- the steeper banking of the seats means that level 1 seats give a much better view of play than at the G or Marvel.

The undoubted highlight is the superb statue of Nicky Winmar , commemorating his iconic jumper-raising moment at Vic Park in 1993. It seems to be about 9 feet tall ( ie 50% more than lifesize) and is mounted on a pedestal ( entirely appropriate) with a written enscription. The whole structure is over 15 feet tall .

The statue is very prominently placed, outside gate D, which is the main entrance for those walking to the ground on the footbridge over the river.

At the start and end of each day I was drawn to this marvellous tribute to a true champion of our club and of the nation.

[B.M]

Have no idea why it’s in Perth - I do know he is a noongar man from WA

But
He played against the Eagles and Dockers

He was playing for StK when he made that gesture, in Melbourne against Collingwood

He has no association with Optus oval, WCE or Freo

IMO the statue should be at the Moorabbin entrance

[Otiman]

IMO the statue should be at the Moorabbin entrance

Except we didn't do it. The stadium in Perth did.

Shame on us.

[loris]

IMO the statue should be at the Moorabbin entrance

Except we didn't do it. The stadium in Perth did.

Shame on us.

Correct and most importantly Nicky Winmar himself made the decision on where he wanted the statue to be located.

[B.M]

He would have been asked if it was OK to be at Optus

Why would he say no?

[Yorkeys]

Interesting isn't it that Nicky's statue honours him in a practical way in possibly the most conservative state, while Victoria goes through the pantomimes of renaming Lakes, having a treaty yarnfest and building a statue to that noble public servant Dan Andrews. Nicky has done more for Australia and Victoria than very many - but its Perth not Melbourne that is fair dinkum.

[Killa]

Well, “Cuz” is a born and bred West Australian along with being a First Nation’s person of note

So it is appropriate that he is recognised at a WA venue

I would also add that “Cuz” finished his career at Footscray

In WA, the Tories do not exist so the description of WA as “conservative” appears wide of the mark (and I don’t know where such an observation is appropriate - because conservatives are racist perhaps?)

And with the statue of Andrews who won landslide elections by ever increasing numbers, it was Kennett who introduced that Premiers serving 10 years be acknowledged by a statue (noting Kennett then got turfed before he got to 10 years which must be galling to him!)

But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story

[Killa]

Well, “Cuz” is a born and bred West Australian along with being a First Nation’s person of note

So it is appropriate that he is recognised at a WA venue

I would also add that “Cuz” finished his career at Footscray

In WA, the Tories do not exist so the description of WA as “conservative” appears wide of the mark (and I don’t know where such an observation is appropriate - because conservatives are racist perhaps?)

And with the statue of Andrews who won landslide elections by ever increasing numbers, it was Kennett who introduced that Premiers serving 10 years be acknowledged by a statue (noting Kennett then got turfed before he got to 10 years which must be galling to him!)

But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story

And in regards Kennett and his legacy, since he was turfed Victoria has only had 4 years of Conservative government, knifing the urbane elected Premier then back to opposition (noting that Premier’s son in now a Teal on Council and headed up the election of the Teal, Ryan)