A Bendigo Magistrates’ Court has heard claims that former AFL star Neil Elvis ‘Nicky’ Winmar slammed a woman’s head against a wooden door with enough force to crack it during an alleged assault in Cohuna in May 2025.

The woman, protected by legal anonymity, testified on the opening day of the contested hearing. The 60-year-old Winmar entered not guilty pleas to charges of unlawful assault and intentionally causing injury. He remained seated with his head buried in his hands as she detailed the ordeal.

Woman Describes Terrifying Attack

The complainant recounted feeling petrified and fearing for her life. Winmar allegedly approached from behind while screaming, seized her arm, twisted it forcefully, and dragged her by the ponytail before bashing her head against the door.

“I was actually fearful of my life,” she stated in court.

Triple Zero Call and Police Video Evidence

Judges reviewed an emotional emergency call from the incident night. While hiding, the woman informed the operator she had been struck. Asked to identify her attacker, she replied, “they’ll know him, he’s a former AFL player.”

Body-worn camera footage captured officers arriving to find her huddled on the floor under a blanket. She described Winmar as verbally and physically abusive but refused medical transport to a hospital.

More witnesses will appear as proceedings continue.