Fans pay tribute at Shane Warne statue as grandstand renamed in his honour

Adoring Shane Warne fans are leaving cheeky tributes outside the MCG, with the spin king to have a grandstand renamed in his honour.

A VB beer can, a packet of cigarettes, a meat pie and many flowers have been left in front of the Shane Warne statue at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in honour of the King of Spin after his sudden death.

Even young children, who were not born when Warne played cricket, visited the statue with their parents to pay their respects.

One note read: “Cheers to a great Victorian. One of the all-time greats. RIP, Warnie. Thanks for the memories.”

Someone placed a beer can, cigarettes and a pie at the statue. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Mourners left flowers at the statue. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Some people left notes with their flowers. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews also revealed the Great Southern Stand would be renamed after Warne.

“I’ve just informed the Warne family that the government will rename the Great Southern Stand at the MCG — the place he took his hat trick and 700th wicket — to honour Shane and his contribution to the game,” Mr Andrews posted on social media.

“The S.K. Warne Stand will be a permanent tribute to an amazing Victorian.”

Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula left flowers at the statue of Shane Warne. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Many people visited the statue. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Eddie McGuire paid his respects to Shane Warne. Picture: William West/AFP

Earlier, Mr Andrews released a statement describing Warne as an icon.

“He was born for the big occasion and gave us irreplaceable MCG memories,” he said.

“The Ashes hat trick, his 700th wicket and calming Bay 13 in his trackies. His performance on the pitch drew us to the game ta e cared so deeply for.”

Rest in peace, Warnie pic.twitter.com/fHyno14ybp

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) March 4, 2022

Warne died suddenly in a Thai villa where he was holidaying with a group of friends. He was just 52 years old.

The beloved larrikin had been staying at a luxury island villa with a games room, infinity pool and stunning views of Thailand.

He was found unconscious at the Samujana Villas resort, on the island of Koh Samui, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A tribute to Shane Warne on the video screen at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Even children, who were not born when Shane Warne played cricket, paid tribute at the statue. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, friends and international newspapers.

Warne leaves behind three children — Brooke, Jackson, and Summer.

The family has been offered a state funeral.