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Nicky Winmar: My Story
Thirty years after creating one of the most memorable moments in sporting history, Indigenous AFL legend Nicky Winmar tells his story in a moving and compelling memoir.
Sport is made up of moments that thrill us at the time and quickly disappear. Very few endure for decades. Even fewer transcend sport and speak to an entire nation.
April 17, 2023, marked the 30th anniversary of St Kilda legend Nicky Winmar's proud and defining stand against racism - one of those moments that hasn't diminished over time and regrettably is still just as relevant today.
It is a stand that has become iconic, and so has Winmar, not just for his courage as he declared to a hostile, jeering crowd 'I'm black and I'm proud to be black' - but also because he is one of the game's great and most celebrated players.
Born a Noongar man from the WA wheatbelt 200 kilometres from Perth, Neil Elvis 'Nicky' Winmar quickly displayed an ability to overcome adversity. He would need to. He had a hard upbringing but loved to play footy every day with his younger brother among the livestock on the sheep farm where their father worked as a shearer.
The skinny teenager soon began playing football amongst hardened men for the local team and was signed to a senior team as a promising fifteen-year-old. Winmar would go on to become one of the most decorated players in AFL history. Recently inducted into the illustrious AFL Hall Of Fame, a member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, the St Kilda Team of the Century, a winner of Best and Fairest and Mark of the Year awards, Winmar became the first Indigenous footballer to play 200 games.
This long-awaited autobiography tells the story of Winmar's brilliant career in colourful detail, as well as giving moving insight into his life. Amidst the pain, the turbulence and the triumph, his heart and abiding sense of humour shine through.
Sport is made up of moments that thrill us at the time and quickly disappear. Very few endure for decades. Even fewer transcend sport and speak to an entire nation.
April 17, 2023, marked the 30th anniversary of St Kilda legend Nicky Winmar's proud and defining stand against racism - one of those moments that hasn't diminished over time and regrettably is still just as relevant today.
It is a stand that has become iconic, and so has Winmar, not just for his courage as he declared to a hostile, jeering crowd 'I'm black and I'm proud to be black' - but also because he is one of the game's great and most celebrated players.
Born a Noongar man from the WA wheatbelt 200 kilometres from Perth, Neil Elvis 'Nicky' Winmar quickly displayed an ability to overcome adversity. He would need to. He had a hard upbringing but loved to play footy every day with his younger brother among the livestock on the sheep farm where their father worked as a shearer.
The skinny teenager soon began playing football amongst hardened men for the local team and was signed to a senior team as a promising fifteen-year-old. Winmar would go on to become one of the most decorated players in AFL history. Recently inducted into the illustrious AFL Hall Of Fame, a member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, the St Kilda Team of the Century, a winner of Best and Fairest and Mark of the Year awards, Winmar became the first Indigenous footballer to play 200 games.
This long-awaited autobiography tells the story of Winmar's brilliant career in colourful detail, as well as giving moving insight into his life. Amidst the pain, the turbulence and the triumph, his heart and abiding sense of humour shine through.
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
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60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 9, 2023
One of the most powerful memoirs I’ve read. It broke my heart one minute, made me laugh the next, held me captivated throughout.
“Sometimes I wouldn’t dare chase the footy if it went near the fence, for reasons a whitefella could never know.”
Indigenous AFL legend, Nicky Winmar, bares all. He takes us on a memorable journey from growing up in Pingelly, Western Australia, to the heights of success as Aussie rules footballer, and beyond. A proud Noongar man, Nicky became the first Indigenous player to reach 200 games. However, the biggest opponent during his memorable career was unfortunately racism.
“This wasn’t America’s deep south in the 1950s, it was Melbourne, Australia, in 1993, and I was in hiding from lots of white people who hated me simply because my skin was black.”
Nicky plants the reader in his shoes. I couldn’t help but often pause and reflect. I’ve never seen racism described in quite this way before. Raw and painful. It cuts deep.
I admire Nicky’s strength in describing the notorious day at Victoria Park. It's where he made his stand against racism, lifted his guernsey and declared: “I am black and I’m proud to be black." That famous photo is the cover for this book. I unintentionally found myself holding my breath while reading these chapters. Nicky was courageous then, and still is today, as evident by his honesty across these pages.
Co-writer, Matthew Hardy, ensures the book captures Nicky’s voice. It feels authentic; like he’s sitting down with you, sharing his story. It was incredible to read of Nicky’s upbringing, and I learned plenty about First Nations culture. I was a big fan of The Marngrook Footy Show, and enjoyed reading of the Indigenous origins to our beloved game too. There are also plenty of shenanigans. I didn’t expect to laugh so much.
“I got some Elvis cranked up on the jukebox and soon the koala and I were playing doubles on the pool table, beating anyone who took us on.”
Nicky displays an impressive level of self-awareness and insight into his demons and past events. He’s not afraid to admit mistakes and take ownership – all which require bravery. There are some powerful openings to chapters in this book. I felt emotional numerous times.
"Can I please have your autograph, Mr Winmar?" - these were my words when, as a shy nine-year-old, I approached Nicky at York Park during the final year of his AFL career. I'll never forget his kindness, and now, will never forget his story, thanks to this special book. If you read one sports memoir, make it this one; for its filled with heart, humour, and brutal honesty. As Nicky’s mate, Molly, would say: do yourself a favour.
Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Sometimes I wouldn’t dare chase the footy if it went near the fence, for reasons a whitefella could never know.”
Indigenous AFL legend, Nicky Winmar, bares all. He takes us on a memorable journey from growing up in Pingelly, Western Australia, to the heights of success as Aussie rules footballer, and beyond. A proud Noongar man, Nicky became the first Indigenous player to reach 200 games. However, the biggest opponent during his memorable career was unfortunately racism.
“This wasn’t America’s deep south in the 1950s, it was Melbourne, Australia, in 1993, and I was in hiding from lots of white people who hated me simply because my skin was black.”
Nicky plants the reader in his shoes. I couldn’t help but often pause and reflect. I’ve never seen racism described in quite this way before. Raw and painful. It cuts deep.
I admire Nicky’s strength in describing the notorious day at Victoria Park. It's where he made his stand against racism, lifted his guernsey and declared: “I am black and I’m proud to be black." That famous photo is the cover for this book. I unintentionally found myself holding my breath while reading these chapters. Nicky was courageous then, and still is today, as evident by his honesty across these pages.
Co-writer, Matthew Hardy, ensures the book captures Nicky’s voice. It feels authentic; like he’s sitting down with you, sharing his story. It was incredible to read of Nicky’s upbringing, and I learned plenty about First Nations culture. I was a big fan of The Marngrook Footy Show, and enjoyed reading of the Indigenous origins to our beloved game too. There are also plenty of shenanigans. I didn’t expect to laugh so much.
“I got some Elvis cranked up on the jukebox and soon the koala and I were playing doubles on the pool table, beating anyone who took us on.”
Nicky displays an impressive level of self-awareness and insight into his demons and past events. He’s not afraid to admit mistakes and take ownership – all which require bravery. There are some powerful openings to chapters in this book. I felt emotional numerous times.
"Can I please have your autograph, Mr Winmar?" - these were my words when, as a shy nine-year-old, I approached Nicky at York Park during the final year of his AFL career. I'll never forget his kindness, and now, will never forget his story, thanks to this special book. If you read one sports memoir, make it this one; for its filled with heart, humour, and brutal honesty. As Nicky’s mate, Molly, would say: do yourself a favour.
Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2024
Like most here, I found it to be a rather captivating read.
A huge challenge with autobiographies for many authors is being confronted with the reality of avoiding the hard truth leading to an empty shell of a memoir versus being courageously honest, knowing that it may cast you in a poor light.
However, like his all throughout his football career… Winmar is nothing if not courageous. He talks about his drinking, his lack of dedication, domestic incidents and the battle he had trusting others. None of it makes you think any less of him… to the contrary in fact, it paints the picture of a remarkable man that is as much human as he was brilliant.
The true power in this story however, is not in the journey and it’s not even about his spectacular football career. No… what makes this an incredible read is in the exploration of the impact that racism had on him. Yes, he tells the stories of what happened on and off the ground and yes they are horrendous. Way more shocking than even those that followed his career can imagine… but then comes the rest of the story.
How it caused him do doubt himself. Not want to do it. Question whether he deserved it. Feel guilty for letting it bother him. Lament that he wasn’t better. Wish he could be more of a role model for his people. Hate everyone and everything, and wanting to disappear. It’s clear that even during his footballing peak, the height of his popularity and fame, he had to work so hard just to keep it together, seemingly never far from falling off the deep end.
And that’s the broader commentary here. When people talk about the disadvantages of Indigenous Australians and closing the Gap… what so many people don’t understand is just how much harder it is for some people to do the same things as others. A powerful example is when Winmar reflects about how at nights as a child, the sound of cars driving by at night scared him and his brother because they genuinely thought that the government may be coming to take them away.
Really think about that. Having to go to school tired because you were stressed throughout the night with thoughts like that. As an adult… Winmar reflects that whilst his drinking caused him problems throughout his career, at times it was the only way to slow his thoughts down and relax for just a bit. That’s intergenerational trauma for you.
Thank you Mr. Winmar for sharing this story with us.
A huge challenge with autobiographies for many authors is being confronted with the reality of avoiding the hard truth leading to an empty shell of a memoir versus being courageously honest, knowing that it may cast you in a poor light.
However, like his all throughout his football career… Winmar is nothing if not courageous. He talks about his drinking, his lack of dedication, domestic incidents and the battle he had trusting others. None of it makes you think any less of him… to the contrary in fact, it paints the picture of a remarkable man that is as much human as he was brilliant.
The true power in this story however, is not in the journey and it’s not even about his spectacular football career. No… what makes this an incredible read is in the exploration of the impact that racism had on him. Yes, he tells the stories of what happened on and off the ground and yes they are horrendous. Way more shocking than even those that followed his career can imagine… but then comes the rest of the story.
How it caused him do doubt himself. Not want to do it. Question whether he deserved it. Feel guilty for letting it bother him. Lament that he wasn’t better. Wish he could be more of a role model for his people. Hate everyone and everything, and wanting to disappear. It’s clear that even during his footballing peak, the height of his popularity and fame, he had to work so hard just to keep it together, seemingly never far from falling off the deep end.
And that’s the broader commentary here. When people talk about the disadvantages of Indigenous Australians and closing the Gap… what so many people don’t understand is just how much harder it is for some people to do the same things as others. A powerful example is when Winmar reflects about how at nights as a child, the sound of cars driving by at night scared him and his brother because they genuinely thought that the government may be coming to take them away.
Really think about that. Having to go to school tired because you were stressed throughout the night with thoughts like that. As an adult… Winmar reflects that whilst his drinking caused him problems throughout his career, at times it was the only way to slow his thoughts down and relax for just a bit. That’s intergenerational trauma for you.
Thank you Mr. Winmar for sharing this story with us.
November 11, 2023
As a big fan if Nicky as a footballer I was excited to read his story bin his own words. What a wonderful read about an extremely talented footballer with a complex past. It gave me a better appreciation of indigenous footballers from remote areas and the challenges by hey have.
Well done to Matt Hardy of working so close with Nicky on the book and thanks Nicky for sharing.
Well done to Matt Hardy of working so close with Nicky on the book and thanks Nicky for sharing.
December 4, 2023
Really emotional. Super funny.
December 16, 2023
Might be a bit biased as a die hard saints fan but this a great book
October 17, 2024
Just finished the Nicky Winmar book, *My Story*, which is a moving and candid memoir that delves into the life of one of Australia's most iconic AFL players. The autobiography not only recounts Winmar's illustrious career but also offers profound insight into his life, struggles, and triumphs. I recently read Jack Riewoldt’s book, and the contrast between the two players' backgrounds is striking: Jack hails from middle-class Hobart, while Nicky grew up on an Aboriginal reserve in Western Australia. One similarity that stands out is the strong influence their fathers had on their football careers, but beyond that, their stories diverge significantly.
Winmar's journey from a Noongar boy growing up on the Pingelly Aboriginal reservation in Western Australia's wheatbelt to an AFL legend is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Born Neil Elvis "Nicky" Winmar, he grew up playing football amidst the challenges of reservation life. Despite a tough upbringing, Winmar's exceptional talent on the field quickly became evident. By the age of fifteen, he was already playing senior football and would soon become one of the most celebrated players in AFL history.
The book vividly details Winmar's career highlights, including being the first Indigenous player to play 200 games. However, it also addresses the darker aspects of his journey, particularly the rampant racism he faced. Winmar wastes no time confronting this issue, diving straight into it in Chapter 2, where he describes how he often thought his name was "Black C*nt" because of how frequently he was called this derogatory term. This brutal honesty sets the tone for a memoir that does not shy away from the harsh realities of racism.
The pivotal moment on April 17, 1993, when Winmar lifted his jersey and pointed to his skin, declaring "I'm black and I'm proud," is explored in depth. This act of defiance against a hostile crowd is presented not just as a personal milestone but as a significant event in the fight against racism in sports and Australian society. Winmar vividly describes the Collingwood crowd that day at Victoria Park: “The twisted faces of hostile hatred, the spittle-flying, the threats I’ll never forget, all aimed directly my way, combined into a scenario that still makes me shudder. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want them to see how I was genuinely afraid for my safety, worrying that I might not get out alive—truly, that thought ran through my mind. The words ‘black c*nt’ swarmed my way like locusts from the mouths of thousands, and I thought I might throw up.”
Winmar's story is filled with both pain and resilience. His honest recounting of the racism and personal demons he faced, including bouts of depression and substance abuse, adds profound depth to the narrative. Yet, amidst the turmoil, his sense of humor and enduring spirit shine through. Winmar's reflections on his post-retirement life, his health struggles, and his ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes are equally compelling.
One of the more uplifting aspects of the memoir is Winmar's admiration for the loyal St Kilda fans. He writes, "Saints fans always saw the glass as half full, and when they got behind us, especially at Moorabbin, we felt like we could walk on water." This sentiment highlights the deep connection between Winmar and the fans who supported him throughout his career, providing a counterbalance to the adversity he faced.
Overall, *My Story* is celebrated for its emotional honesty and cultural significance. It stands as a powerful testament to Winmar's legacy and his impact on both the AFL and the broader community. His story continues to inspire and resonate, reminding us of the importance of resilience, pride, and the ongoing fight for equality.
Winmar's journey from a Noongar boy growing up on the Pingelly Aboriginal reservation in Western Australia's wheatbelt to an AFL legend is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Born Neil Elvis "Nicky" Winmar, he grew up playing football amidst the challenges of reservation life. Despite a tough upbringing, Winmar's exceptional talent on the field quickly became evident. By the age of fifteen, he was already playing senior football and would soon become one of the most celebrated players in AFL history.
The book vividly details Winmar's career highlights, including being the first Indigenous player to play 200 games. However, it also addresses the darker aspects of his journey, particularly the rampant racism he faced. Winmar wastes no time confronting this issue, diving straight into it in Chapter 2, where he describes how he often thought his name was "Black C*nt" because of how frequently he was called this derogatory term. This brutal honesty sets the tone for a memoir that does not shy away from the harsh realities of racism.
The pivotal moment on April 17, 1993, when Winmar lifted his jersey and pointed to his skin, declaring "I'm black and I'm proud," is explored in depth. This act of defiance against a hostile crowd is presented not just as a personal milestone but as a significant event in the fight against racism in sports and Australian society. Winmar vividly describes the Collingwood crowd that day at Victoria Park: “The twisted faces of hostile hatred, the spittle-flying, the threats I’ll never forget, all aimed directly my way, combined into a scenario that still makes me shudder. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want them to see how I was genuinely afraid for my safety, worrying that I might not get out alive—truly, that thought ran through my mind. The words ‘black c*nt’ swarmed my way like locusts from the mouths of thousands, and I thought I might throw up.”
Winmar's story is filled with both pain and resilience. His honest recounting of the racism and personal demons he faced, including bouts of depression and substance abuse, adds profound depth to the narrative. Yet, amidst the turmoil, his sense of humor and enduring spirit shine through. Winmar's reflections on his post-retirement life, his health struggles, and his ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes are equally compelling.
One of the more uplifting aspects of the memoir is Winmar's admiration for the loyal St Kilda fans. He writes, "Saints fans always saw the glass as half full, and when they got behind us, especially at Moorabbin, we felt like we could walk on water." This sentiment highlights the deep connection between Winmar and the fans who supported him throughout his career, providing a counterbalance to the adversity he faced.
Overall, *My Story* is celebrated for its emotional honesty and cultural significance. It stands as a powerful testament to Winmar's legacy and his impact on both the AFL and the broader community. His story continues to inspire and resonate, reminding us of the importance of resilience, pride, and the ongoing fight for equality.
September 28, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: non-fiction: memoir
Does the blurb reflect the plot: yes, it’s an excellent overview of what’s to come
Sum it up: On 17 April 1993 Nicky Winmar took a stand against racist crowd of supporters by lifting his shirt, pointing at himself and declaring “I’m black and I’m proud to be black”. Captured in a photograph that would become iconic, the AFL legend may have been come a long way from a humble boy from the bush; but in many ways nothing had changed at all. Thirty years later, Winmar gives a honest, detailed, compelling and at times laugh out loud funny account of his life covering the good, the bad and the downright ugly in an exceptionally well written memoir. You can feel a variety of emotions as you read, as well as hear Winmar’s voice on each page. This is exactly how a memoir should be, meaning whether you’re reading My Story from a sporting, Indigenous or societal perspective; Winmar’s life story makes for a compelling, informative and engaging read which I highly recommend.
Who should read it: a must for sports fans and those who enjoy memoirs, it’s a book that will resonate with a lot of different people for a lot of different reasons.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
Genre: non-fiction: memoir
Does the blurb reflect the plot: yes, it’s an excellent overview of what’s to come
Sum it up: On 17 April 1993 Nicky Winmar took a stand against racist crowd of supporters by lifting his shirt, pointing at himself and declaring “I’m black and I’m proud to be black”. Captured in a photograph that would become iconic, the AFL legend may have been come a long way from a humble boy from the bush; but in many ways nothing had changed at all. Thirty years later, Winmar gives a honest, detailed, compelling and at times laugh out loud funny account of his life covering the good, the bad and the downright ugly in an exceptionally well written memoir. You can feel a variety of emotions as you read, as well as hear Winmar’s voice on each page. This is exactly how a memoir should be, meaning whether you’re reading My Story from a sporting, Indigenous or societal perspective; Winmar’s life story makes for a compelling, informative and engaging read which I highly recommend.
Who should read it: a must for sports fans and those who enjoy memoirs, it’s a book that will resonate with a lot of different people for a lot of different reasons.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
November 6, 2023
This is an unexpectedly superb book. I say unexpected because not many who write their memoirs are anywhere near as willing to speak poorly of themselves as part of a full depiction of their own personal positives and negatives, as Nicky Winmar is in this brilliant book. It’s as much a broad history of modern (the last few decades at least) Aboriginal life as it is about an individual’s own story. But what a story! How the guy overcame the relentless adversity and lack of feasible opportunities, let alone stayed at the top of his chosen profession for so long, made me laugh and cry and cheer out loud in equal measure. Yes he was star AFL player, but as non-sports fan it didn’t matter at all that I’m not schooled in the sport Nicky excelled at. This book is a tale full of tragedy, but triumph along the way too, in what is the new best autobiography I’ve ever read. I’d honestly rank it alongside other books where overcoming unspeakable hardship is the main theme, like Maya Angelou’s I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings and I Am Malala.
July 28, 2025
This man covered so much in such a short book. An amazing read and would highly recommend to anyone. Even if you have no interest in AFL (like me).
Nicky Winmar covered a huge variety of topics with a really honest and open conversation about each. From stolen generation, generation trauma, racism, homophobia, safety in sport and so many more.
I really enjoyed how much this book had me thinking and was pleasantly suprised by how many facts and history notes had been included. I had really expected a more personal story. But he somehow included both his own story mixed really easily in with the history of a topic he was discussing
Nicky Winmar covered a huge variety of topics with a really honest and open conversation about each. From stolen generation, generation trauma, racism, homophobia, safety in sport and so many more.
I really enjoyed how much this book had me thinking and was pleasantly suprised by how many facts and history notes had been included. I had really expected a more personal story. But he somehow included both his own story mixed really easily in with the history of a topic he was discussing
January 8, 2024
An interesting read from Nicky, who has had to overcome so much in his life to play footy at the highest level. His early challenges seemed to harden him for the tough times ahead, but it seems mind-boggling to think he was required to overcome so much. A wonderful and proud advocate for respect and inclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2023
This is my first review but I had no choice after being moved in every way possible by this emotional rollercoaster of a life story. The pain Nicky Winmar has endured, and yet somehow maintains his sense of humour and hope, my gosh, what a memoir. People, read it and thank me later.
January 14, 2024
Was one of my favourite players when I was a kid and this book gives a great insight into what went on behind the scenes and where he came from. He’s a legend on and off the ground and it’s a great read. Go saints!
January 18, 2024
Interesting Insight into that famous iconic picture and career
March 2, 2024
Who would’ve thought I’d read, let alone enjoy, a book about footy. But Nicky is one hell of a storyteller.
June 12, 2024
Fantastic insight into Nicky’s upbringing, I learned loads while being kept entertained.
Would probably read again too x
Would probably read again too x
May 22, 2025
I really enjoyed reading about Nicky Winmar’s life off-field, but am not a fan of footy so wasn’t loving the football bits, which were a lot.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews