A bronze statue depicting one of the most iconic moments in Australian sport will be erected in Perth.

Indigenous footballer Nicky Winmar made AFL history when he stood up against racial abuse during a match in Victoria 26 years ago.

The AFL and the WA Government have agreed that the bronze statue of Winmar — a WA born-and-bred Noongar — in his now famous pose lifting his St Kilda jumper in defiance to show Collingwood supporters the colour of his skin, should be located in his home State after fears it could end up going to Victoria.

“I write formally with the wish the Australian Football League can now advance the process for the statue of Nicky Winmar to be placed on the environs of Optus Stadium,” AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has told Premier Mark McGowan.

Camera Icon The Nicky Winmar statue. Credit: SUPPLIED

“After long consideration within our industry, it is our view the best possible location of the statue of Mr Winmar, as a Noongar man, is for his commemorative image to sit on Noongar land.

“As it stands, this will be the first statue of an Aboriginal footballer representing their football playing history.

“It represents the continuum of many years of the work towards addressing racism, the hope of a reconciled nation and our shared value of equality for all.

“It is our view that a representation of a great West Australian, standing up for an important matter in society, would be a fitting addition to the precincts.”

Sports Minister Mick Murray confirmed that after receiving the letter from Mr McLachlan, discussions had begun with Aboriginal groups, Optus Stadium management and the Perth City Council about where to put it.

Mr Murray said apart from the Optus Stadium precinct, land at one end of the Matagarup Bridge at East Perth, which connected sports fans to the new venue, was being considered, as was a spot along the bridge itself.

The statue is the work of renowned Melbourne sculptor Louis Laumen.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt said this week he was even open to the option of the statue being located at Yagan Square.

He said what was more important than the location was the fact the statue was coming to Perth.

“I am relaxed about whether it is standing outside the stadium or Yagan Square in a prominent location,” Mr Wyatt said.

“I want it here.

“That statement that Nicky made, captured in that statue, is significant, not just for the AFL but for the confrontation of racism in the community.”

On April 17, 1993, Winmar pointed to his skin after he and fellow indigenous player Gilbert McAdam had been the subject of racial abuse from Collingwood supporters.

Inspired by brilliant performances by Winmar and McAdam, the Saints came from eight points down at half time to win by 22 points.

Pulling up his jumper and looking at his abusers in the crowd, Winmar said: “I’m black and I’m proud to be black”.

Mr Laumen said this week the statue had been ready since September.