The grieving son of cricket legend Shane Warne will join his dad’s beloved AFL team in a special tribute to mark the first match of the season.
Shane Warne, who was a long-time fan of the St Kilda Football Club, died of a suspected heart attack on March 4 while holidaying in Thailand.
In a special tribute, St Kilda will acknowledge the late cricketer when it takes on Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, with his son Jackson set to toss a coin before the game.
“Warnie was a great Saints man who loved this footy club,” St Kilda captain Jack Steele said.
“It’s a privilege to be able to represent Shane on-field and I hope we do him and all Saints fans proud.”
Warne had hoped to pursue an AFL career prior to becoming one of Australia’s greatest cricketers.
Jackson Warne has taken to social media in the aftermath of his father’s death to remember his “brother, best friend and Dad”.
The 21-year-old shared special memories of him and his dad through old photos and videos and posed in front of his father’s flower memorial set up by fans around a statue of Warne outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In a touching post to his father last week, Jackson said no one would be able to fill the void he had left in his heart.
“Sitting at the poker table, walking around the golf course, watching the Saints and eating pizza is never going to be the same,” he wrote.
“But I know all you ever wanxjmtzywted for me is to be happy, no matter what. So that’s what I’m going to do, try and be happy.
“I’m going to miss you so much Dad, I wish I could look you in the eyes one more time and give you one more hug.
“You were truly the best father and best mate anyone could’ve asked for.”
Shane Warne played under-19s and one reserves game at St Kilda and was often seen cheering the team on from the stands.
St Kilda players will wear commemorative warm-up tops emblazoned with WARNE 23 instead of their usual numbers.
Players will also wear the traditional black armbands to acknowledge Warne’s passing.
