Nicholas Winmar Biography

Anti-racism pioneer Nicky Winmar says he is saddened that racial abuse against Indigenous players continues to this day.

"The supporters need to just hold their breath and just sit back and watch the game and let the kids enjoy it,'' Winmar said.

"It's very sad but they are very supportive of their teams and sometimes they don't like, especially indigenous players, playing well."

The AFLPA will push the league to close the loophole that allowed St Kilda to dump Nick Winmar with a year to run on his contract.

"We believe that if a club contracts a player for two years then they should honour that contract, unless they have grounds to terminate, which is not the case here," AFLPA general manager of player relations, Ian Prendergast said.

"We are particularly concerned about the timing of the club's decision, being after the national draft and the adverse impact this will have on Nick furthering his career - especially given the compromised rookie draft due to rookie list positions being reduced by two spots for next season."

Nick Winmar has been released from the final year of his contract by St Kilda.

"Late last week we advised Nick and his manager that we would be releasing him from the final year of his contract," St Kilda's head of football Chris Pelchen said.

"This was a difficult decision, however we feel it is the right one for both Nick and the club. Nick has been a respected member of the Saints over the past three years and we wish him every success for the future."

Nicholas Winmar makes his AFL debut for St Kilda at Docklands Stadium with 9 disposals (5 kicks and 4 handballs), 2 marks and a tackle in a 20-point win over Melbourne.

St Kilda recruit Nick Winmar is determined to forge his own identity with the Saints despite being the second cousin of former Saint great Nicky Winmar.

"I haven't seen a great deal of him. I was pretty young when he played. I haven't spoken to him (since I was drafted) so I don't know," he said.

"If I was going to end up in Melbourne this is where I wanted to be. They are a great club."