Shane Warne grandstand unveiled at the Junction Oval in Melbourne

The legacy of Shane Warne goes beyond naming things after him but the latest grandstand holds a special place in the heart of his family.

On the day David Warner’s leadership ban ended another of the greatest Australians never to captain the Test team was honoured, again, in Melbourne.

On the St Kilda ground where his legend was born, Shane Warne had another grandstand named after him at the Junction Oval, the new home of Victorian cricket.

It’s the grass roots honour to match the grandiose homages to the legendary spin king, who passed away from a heart attack, aged just 52.

There’s already the Shane Warne stand at the MCG, re-named in his honour after his schok passing, and a statue outside the famous ground, where tributes were laid in the days following the new which rocked all of Australia.

As the latest honour was unveiled, Warne’s father, Keith, said his son would be “thrilled” to know he’s forever linked to the ground where he played so much club cricket for St Kilda, honing a craft which would make him a legend.

“As proud as Shane would be to know that a stand at the Junction Oval is named in his honour, he’d also be thrilled to know that he is forever linked with St Kilda Cricket Club,” he said.

“Although Shane can’t be here physically, I have no doubt that he will be here spiritually. Humbly acknowledging the honour at the oval here today. Sharing the day with his past Victorian teammates at the luncheon, and from a prominent position in the Shane Warne Stand cheering on Victoria.”

A magic morning at the CitiPower Centre as we hosted Keith, Summer and Brooke to officially unveil the newly named Shane Warne Stand.

If you are in the area come and watch the cricket - Maxwell, Short, Harris, Handscomb, Murphy, Sutherland etc v a stacked NSW side! pic.twitter.com/YLSVRFZpb0

— Nick Cummins (@CricketVicCEO) October 25, 2024

Warne was never given the opportunity to captain Australia, his off-field antics holding back a man many consider one of cricket’s great genuises.

His daughters, Brooke and Summer were also on hand, emotions “running high” as the latest honour was revealed.

“It’s so exciting ... it’s just incredible,” said Brooke, the eldest of Warne’s three children.

“The sun’s shining, so Dad clearly doesn’t want to miss out. He’s here in spirit.

“We’re just so grateful. Emotions are high, but it’s a really special feeling today.”

The stand was formerly named for Fitzroy footballing legend Kevin Murray as the Junction Oval was home to the Lions in the VFL from 1970 to 1984.

But the Murray family gave their support to the change to honour Warne, with the ground no long open for football, as the base for Victorian cricket.

Originally published as Shane Warne grandstand unveiled at the Junction Oval in Melbourne