Robbie Williams pays tribute to Shane Warne in 'amazing' AFL grand final pre-game performance

Joshua Mayne

•
Robbie Williams pays tribute to Shane Warne in 'amazing' AFL grand final pre-game performance image

English singer Robbie Williams kicked AFL Grand Final proceedings off at the MCG with a captivating pre-match show on Saturday afternoon. 

The 48-year-old was at his charismatic best, singing a number of his classic hits with an "obligatory new song” included in the mix.

Williams - who sported a bright pink suit - began his set with Let Me Entertain You before keeping the energy high with Rock DJ.

After a new track, he sang Feel, followed by a rendition of Angels, which he dedicated to his late friend Shane Warne.

MORE: How Norm Smith Medal voting works | Full AFL Grand Final entertainment list

A tribute to Australian music icon John Farnham - who is currently battling cancer - came next, with Williams performing You’re The Voice.

The performance was capped off by a duet with Delta Goodrem, with the duo singing Kids.

Williams' cheeky personality shone through the entire performance, with the former Take That member beginning his set with confidence.

"Hello, Australia. I'm Robbie Williams," he said.

"Over the next twenty minutes I'm gonna be phenomenal ... so you better be good!"

For many, though, the highlight of the performance was a touching tribute to Australian cricket legend Shane Warne.

Williams - who shares a friendship with the late spinner - sang Angels in his honour.

The energy of the pre-match entertainment even led some fans to jokingly suggest that Williams should win the Norm Smith Medal, an honour given to the player adjudged the best on ground.

Williams' performance wasn't the only entertainment on grand final day, with Goanna joining first nations performers Christine Anu, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith and William Barton as the headline halftime act.

Joshua Mayne

Joshua Mayne Photo

Joshua Mayne is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia based in Sydney, Australia. He has previously worked as a newsreader at 2SER and journalist at Ministry of Sport. While Joshua’s main passions are football, rugby league, basketball and F1, he will watch any sport that's on. He is still waiting for Arsenal to win the Premier League again.