Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence for former AFL player Nicky Winmar after he was convicted of assaulting a woman in northern Victoria last year. The incident has reportedly left the victim feeling like “a shadow of the person” she once was.
The court has yet to determine a date for Winmar’s sentencing. His future remains uncertain following the recent conviction, which has led prosecutors to advocate for incarceration due to the severity of the assault.
Last month, Winmar was found guilty of violently attacking the woman in Cohuna in 2025, which included actions such as smashing her head against a door, pulling her hair, and twisting her arm. During her testimony, the victim described the profound impact of the assault on her life, stating that she now experiences “extreme pain” in her arm that prevents her from performing daily tasks and has severely affected her mental well-being, leaving her feeling paranoid and fearful.
Bendigo Magistrate Trieu Huynh has not yet decided on the appropriateness of a jail term. Prosecutor Annina Tropea highlighted Winmar’s history of violent behavior, arguing that a prison sentence is necessary to ensure he understands the consequences of his actions. She emphasized that his behavior was a “conscious and persistent choice.”
Conversely, defense attorney Dermot Dann KC contended that imprisonment should be a “last resort” and suggested that a community corrections order would be a more suitable alternative. A specific date for sentencing remains unannounced.
During the proceedings, Winmar appeared distressed, covering his ears as the victim recounted the emotional and physical toll the assault has taken on her. She expressed feelings of helplessness, stating that the memories of the attack are vivid and haunting.
Winmar, who had claimed innocence throughout the trial, was ultimately found guilty after the magistrate considered the testimonies of the victim and other witnesses. His defense attorney noted Winmar’s noteworthy AFL career, particularly his historic protest against racism in 1993 when he famously pointed to his skin during a match.
Following his conviction, Winmar has faced significant repercussions, including the removal of his accolades and the dismantling of a bronze statue honoring him outside Perth Stadium. Dann remarked that while Winmar’s physical tributes may be removed, the legacy of his stand against racism will endure in the minds of those who value justice and equality.
Winmar’s difficult upbringing in Western Australia has been cited as a contributing factor to his current struggles with depression, PTSD, and alcohol dependency. His defense attorney noted that Winmar has experienced both triumphs and challenges throughout his life, with this legal situation being one of the more serious low points.
Furthermore, Mr. Dann indicated that Winmar has sustained multiple concussions during his athletic career, and investigations are underway to assess whether he has sustained a brain injury or developed chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The court also reviewed Winmar’s previous convictions, which include several assaults, notably an incident involving a taxi driver in 2019.
