Young Crow Cam Ellis-Yolmen wasn’t even born when St Kilda star Nicky Winmar lifted his guernsey, pointed at his skin and took a stand against racism at Victoria Park in 1993.
But Ellis-Yolmen, 20, is reminded of the historic moment every day.
“I’ve got a picture of Nicky’s stance on one of my walls at home. It’s an important picture that I like to look at,” Ellis-Yolmen said.
“Personally, I haven’t been racially discriminated against through footy except for maybe once or twice when I was younger. It’s hard to imagine what it was like for Indigenous boys like Nicky.
“His stance that day has helped stamp out racial vilification for us players today.”
This year, AFL Indigenous Round will celebrate the theme ‘Identity’, inspired by the 20 year anniversary of Nicky Winmar’s extraordinary stance at Victoria Park.
AFL Indigenous Round is a celebration of our country's Indigenous culture and players that have shaped Australia's Game. A game that unites us all, players and fans, standing strong and proud for the past, present and future generations.
All Indigenous Round matches will feature the Indigenous Round Sherrin. All nine matches will also feature a Welcome to Country ceremony; a symbolic ceremony where the traditional custodians of the land welcome members of the wider community.
For the first time in Club history, the Crows will wear a specially-designed Indigenous guernsey. The one-off guernsey incorporates the Indigenous colours in the traditional home strip.
Ellis-Yolmen said it would be a proud moment seeing the team run out in the Indigenous guernsey.
“It really hits the spot when you see the AFL and now the Crows showing the Indigenous colours out on the field. Even if you’re not playing, it makes you feel special,” he said.
“I feel pretty honoured to be part of this footy Club. It’s an important round. It means a lot to me. We’ll get around the boys. If they get a win, we’ll be right there next to them.”