Essendon big man Patrick Ryder has re-enacted the famous moment when former St. Kilda star Nicky Winmar took a stand against racism, lifting his jumper and pointing to his skin.

Ryder is one of a four of the AFL’s indigenous players to take part in the campaign remembering the iconic moment that took place 20 years ago.

He said the moment was a significant one in the history of not just Australian Rules Football but Australian sport.

“I went down to Victoria Park and we did the old lift the jumper up scene which was pretty special to be involved in with a couple of the other boys,” Ryder said.

“That day he coped a bit of abuse and Nicky was just standing up for himself so looking back on it now it is a pretty iconic moment in sport for indigenous people.”

Ryder was just five years old in 1993 when the incident took place and it has remained vividly in his mind as a significant moment for indigenous Australians.

“It is great what he did that day and to still be remembering it today and celebrating it is pretty special,” he said.

The Bombers big man is one of five Essendon indigenous listed players who are looking forward to all that is involved in the week ahead as the AFL pays tribute to the work of indigenous Australians within football.

“We have the game and it is always good to be involved in that but we have a lot of stuff during the week as well in terms of getting out there in the indigenous community to promote what we are doing,” Ryder said.