The number 7 on the back of a St Kilda jumper drums up images of two of the biggest cult heroes at the Saints: Nicky Winmar and Lenny Hayes. The question is; who was the better #7?

The late eighties and early nineties were a famous time in St Kilda Football Club’s history.

Coming off decade of disappointment, the arrival of names such as Lockett, Harvey, Burke and Loewe brought about a newfound hope for the Saints long suffering fans.

Among this new breed of Saint was a quiet and unassuming 21 year old from outback Western Australia.

Neil Elvis Winmar arrived at the Saints in 1987 after playing 58 games and kicking 98 goals for WAFL side South Fremantle.


A strong and athletic running midfielder, Winmar’s playing style was ahead of his time. Renowned for his fierce tackling and spectacular leap, the number 7 quickly became the must-have accessory on the back of a young Saints’ fans jumper.

Leading the club goal kicking in his second season, and winning the first of his two club Best and Fairest awards in his third, Winmar was an instant hit. 

Twice an All-Australian (‘91, ‘95) and the first indigenous player to play over 200 VFL/AFL games, Winmar will forever be synonymous with the image of him raising his guernsey and pointing to his skin in a stand against racism following a game against Collingwood at Victoria Park.
 
By the end of the 1998 season, Winmar had played the last of his 230 games in the red, white and black. However, it wasn’t long until another bright-eyed, eager teenager was ready to give the number 7 his own piece of history.

Lenny Hayes came to Melbourne from Sydney at the age of 18 and received a rising star nomination in his first season.

Sitting comfortably among the best inside midfielders in the competition, Hayes is widely recognised as one of the most universally respected players in the game.

The 32-year-old won the club’s best and fairest award in 2003 and 2010, and was the club captain in 2004 and co-captain in 2007.

Lenny was outstanding in the drawn grand final of 2010, winning the Norm Smith. He pushed himself to the limit and was left with no voice during his acceptance speech.

Nothing deters Hayes, he is a hard-hitting player that will do anything for his teammates, never more evident than in his first match when he was knocked to the ground by Shin-boner of the Century Glenn Archer and continued playing unfazed.

He reached his 250th milestone during round 9 this season, a milestone that many thought was not possible after his second knee reconstruction a season before.

However, in true Lenny style, he has come back this season better than ever, averaging 25 disposals a game.

So now you know the facts Sainters, who was the better number 7?
Use the Twitter hashtag #theBIGquestion and let us know your thoughts!

Here’s what other Twitter followers had to say on the debate: