On this day in 1987, a 21-year-old Nicky Winmar donned the red, white and black for the first time, kickstarting what would be one of the most important careers of the era.
Exactly 32 years ago, the Saints went down by a point against Geelong in the 1987 VFL season-opener at Moorabbin Oval, with the indigenous youngster from Pingelly picking up 17 disposals and a goal.
And it was just a small taste of what was to come.
A footballing freak with an aptitude for the extraordinary, Winmar left an inspiring legacy across his 12 seasons at Moorabbin, playing 230 games and booting 283 goals for the Saints before crossing over to the Western Bulldogs for one final year.
Among his many accolades, Winmar became the first ever indigenous player to reach 200 games, conquering the prestigious milestone in 1997.
WATCH: Nicky Winmar presents Matty Parker with his debut jumper
While his magical flair on the field impressed week-in, week-out, it was his generation-defining stand against racial vilification in 1993 which has been immortalised in Australian sporting history.
It’s one of the most recognisable photographs in the football world, and its significance to a nation and a people is unparalleled.
Even boasting an impressive honours list across his playing career – including two Trevor Barker Awards (1989, 1995) and two All Australian selections (1991, 1995) – Winmar will forever be remembered for his iconic act that day at Victoria Park.
Unfortunately given the recent racial abuse of West Coast’s Liam Ryan, Winmar’s proud gesture is as relevant as ever, continuing to serve as a constant reminder of acceptance, no matter what colour or creed.
The celebration of his incredible career was formally acknowledged in 2003, with inductions into the St Kilda Hall of Fame and Team of the Century, before being named on the half-forward flank in the Indigenous Team of the Century in 2005.
Winmar’s impressive career for South Fremantle in the WAFL (1983-86) also saw him inaugurated into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2009, capping off a stellar list of achievements.
He was the last indigenous player to be recruited to St Kilda from South Fremantle before Matty Parker and intriguingly, both wore the No. 34 guernsey for the WAFL side.
While his playing career came to an end over 20 years ago, Nicky Winmar’s legacy continues to live on, and will for many generations to come.
Not just for the red, white and black, but for an entire nation.
