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This Iconic Image Of A Proud Indigenous Footballer Standing Up To Abuse Could Soon Be A Statue

Nicky Winmar in bronze, we'd like to see that.
This should definitely happen.
Nicky Winmar Statue
This should definitely happen.

It's an image which symbolises hope, defiance and bravery, and is perhaps the most famous image of all in Australian rules football -- bar none.

In 1993, St Kilda player Nicky Winmar was abused by members of the Collingwood cheer squad. At the end of the game, which for the record St Kilda won, he lifted his shirt and pointed to his chest in front of the crowd.

It was his way of saying "yes, I'm an indigenous man and proud of it".

There's now a push to turn that image into a statue. The launch of the campaign coincides with this weekend's AFL Indigenous Round, and next week's National Reconciliation Week.

If you're interested in contributing, the target is $155,000 and needs to be reached by June 26. You can donate here.

Wayne Ludbey, the photographer who took the photo, has since become a good friend of Winmar's.

"The main thing for me is it's always been about the message that racism is repugnant and vile and shouldn't be tolerated on any level," Ludbey told HuffPost Australia.

"I guess a statue would be a permanent symbol to illustrate all of that.

"He's just a really courageous Australian, and that courageous act deserves to be recognised."

Hear, hear.

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