Western Bulldogs ahead Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has acquired hugs from strangers on the street following his immediately iconic anti-racism stance.
The 21-year-old has felt the love from all elements of society after recreating Nicky Winmar’s well-known gesture throughout the Bulldogs’ round-three win towards the Brisbane Lions.
Ugle-Hagan was abused by followers throughout and after his facet’s loss to St Kilda 5 days earlier, prompting the proud Indigenous man from Framlingham in southwest Victoria to raise his jumper and level to his pores and skin after kicking the primary of his 5 targets towards the Lions .
His stance has been universally praised, together with by Winmar himself, with Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge describing it as an “iconic night time”.
“I’ve had a lot assist from clearly everybody on the market, not even simply Bulldogs followers and my household and my teammates,” Ugle-Hagan advised AAP after the Bulldogs’ win towards Richmond on Saturday.
“Even simply strolling down the road individuals are coming as much as me and simply giving me hugs and saying ‘we’re so pleased with you’.
“Identical to strangers arising in the midst of the road at lunchtime to only give me a hug.
“I am like clearly not going to say no to that as a result of I adore it.
“Individuals have not supported me straight however they’re doing issues on the market and stuff you do not see, that is what is going on to assist immediate change.”
Ugle-Hagan’s actions got here virtually 30 years to the day after Winmar, a former St Kilda champion, stood as much as racist abuse from Collingwood followers at Victoria Park.
The previous No.1 draft choose echoed his sentiments in a press convention after the sport towards the Lions that he’ll proceed to talk as much as assist educate the neighborhood.
“Clearly it was a tricky week, however I really feel like simply because that week’s carried out doesn’t suggest the dialog stops,” Ugle-Hagan mentioned.
“Maintain working and clearly nonetheless educate the individuals round you.
“In case you hear something, simply informal racism, everybody deserves respect.
“The best way you respect others you are going to get respect again so simply hold your head up and be proud.”
