“Apology brings a sense of closure – but racist fans should be banned for life “……. Gilbert McAdam.

Former Saint Kilda and Brisbane AFL player, Central Australian GILBERT McADAM says an apology to himself and fellow Saint NICKY WINMAR from Collingwood, for abuse they received during a game 30 years ago has given Gilbert McAdam a sense of closure.

In April 1993 Collingwood fans heaped racial abuse on Winmar and McAdam at the Magpies then home ground Victoria Park.

In response, Winmar lifted his jumper, pointed to his skin and declared “I’m proud to be Black”.

A Collingwood statement says it has been important “to go back and reflect on where we got things wrong”.

Ahead of their clash at Adelaide Oval last weekend, Collingwood and Saint Kilda players united against racism, jointly running through an anti-racism banner together before their clash at Adelaide Oval.

Nicky Winmar then tossed the coin to start the match.

A Healing Ceremony was held at Collingwood’s ground Victoria Park on Tuesday night, to extend the apology to Aboriginal players for racism, but McAdam says the AFL has to do more, including lifetime bans for racist fans.