The legacy of Johnny Warren has now been carved into bronze, with a sculpture of the Australian football icon unveiled at the SCG on Sunday.
Current Socceroos Tim Cahill and Matt McKay helped the SCG Trust reveal the newly erected statue outside the venue where the late Warren played his final match in 1974, before retiring to become one of the strongest media voices in the Australian game.
Also on hand to witness the moment were members of the famous 1974 Socceroos – of which Warren was an integral part.
Warren, who died in 2004 from lung cancer aged 61, is the 12th sporting figure to be honoured with a bronze sculpture at Moore Park and joins the likes of world-renowned cricketing legend Richie Benaud and rugby league great Dally Messenger.
“It’s about bloody time,” Cahill said.
“First football statue, (and) there’s a lot been done in the game.
“He’s a pioneer, he’s someone we all looked up to … it’s a big day for football.
“We can all be very proud of his legacy and what we can carry on going forward.”
Warren captained the Socceroos in 27 of his total 42 matches and went on to champion the rise of the round-ball game as a commentator with the ABC and SBS alongside broadcaster Les Murray.
Murray was also present along with members of Warren’s family.
Warren is remembered each year when the Johnny Warren Medal is awarded to the A-League’s best overall player.
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