Winmar's guernsey fails to sell at auction

Updated May 15, 2012 08:47:00

One of the most famous guernseys in Australian Rules Football (AFL) has been passed in at auction after failing to reach its reserve.

On the eve of the AFL's Indigenous round, the Saint Kilda jumper worn by Nicky Winmar 19 years ago when he famously raised it to show his black skin, was put under the hammer in Melbourne on Monday.

Winmar's gesture was a turning point in the AFL and a catalyst for the nation-wide campaign to stamp out racism in sport.

But at the Sotheby's auction, the No. 7 jumper failed to attract the reserve price.

The auction began with an opening bid of $80,000.

Within minutes it reached $95,000.

But that was not enough.

The reserve was set at $100,000, and there were expectations it could have sold for more.

Sotheby's is now negotiating with potential buyers.

David Hansen of Sotheby's Australia said the No. 7 jumper had great significance.

"This is an item that is not only important in terms of sports history, it's important in terms of race history and important in terms of national and social history," he said.

Tags: community-and-society, race-relations, australian-football-league, vic

First posted May 14, 2012 18:45:21

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Questions over authenticity of Winmar guernsey

Lisa Maksimovic

Updated May 14, 2012 11:24:53

The former agent of St Kilda footballer Nicky Winmar has questioned the authenticity of a historic guernsey being put up for auction.

In 1993, Winmar famously lifted his jumper and pointed to his skin after being racially taunted by Collingwood supporters.

The number seven Saints guernsey worn that day is going under the hammer at Sotheby's tonight.

Peter Jess, who managed Winmar, says he would be very surprised if the jumper being sold is the original one.

"I can't recall, in any of the dealings that I've had with Nicky, that he would have taken particular note of it," he said.

"I can recall him saying at various times that that jumper had either been given to close friends or you know family members."

Sotheby's says it has affidavits confirming the authenticity of the jumper.

Tags: community-and-society, race-relations, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000

First posted May 14, 2012 11:24:53

View the original article here