Shane Warne Legacy is taking its four-minute heart and diabetes test to the AFL’s Gather Round in Adelaide this weekend.
The free, non-invasive screening has already saved lives after being rolled out in and around the MCG during last year’s Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan.
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Warne passed away in March 2022 from an unexpected heart attack while on holiday in Thailand.
Since then, his son Jackson has led the charge for the Shane Warne Legacy to prevent the same fate for others.
“Such an exciting day today for the Shane Warne Legacy!” Jackson said at the launch of the initiative’s new iteration in Adelaide on Monday.
He unveiled the machines in its second Australian city alongside South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas.
“It was great to meet Peter Malinauskas and I want to personally thank you for your support! Thankyou to the South Australian government for bringing us to Adelaide,” the 24-year-old added.
“We’re very grateful for this opportunity and we will save lives! There is a total of 36 machines across Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval, Mount Barker and Elder Park.
“It’s going to be a great week.”
The number of machines is up from the 23 that were deployed at the MCG in December as they aim to test 9000 people over the weekend and 500,000 by the end of the year.
“Dad always said, ‘Aim big, dream big’,” Jackson said.
Malinauskas added: “It might yet be the difference between someone getting good quality healthcare or not.”
Seven Cricket commentator Ricky Ponting, who captained Warne for the final few years of his decorated international career, had a heart scare of his own last year when he had to swiftly leave the commentary box during the Perth Test against West Indies to be whisked away to hospital.
Speaking during the Melbourne Test last year, Ponting said it was another stark reminder to check up on yourself.
“My little mate Justin Langer and I will be making our way around to do our own test. It was just over 12 months ago I had to exit the commentary box over in Perth,” Ponting said in December.
Jackson said this test was quick and easy, and not at all intrusive.
“Lots of people when they think they need to get their hearts tested, they think it might involve taking your clothes off or taking a bit of blood. But this is a non-invasive test,” he said.
“It’s done in under four minutes, you just grip these handle bars and put the compression sleeve around your arm. You get all these stats and it pretty much shows you what you need to change or what you need to add into your lifestyle.
Since Warne’s death, the stand formerly known as The Great Southern Stand has been renamed in the king of spin’s honour.
“To know he has the biggest stand at the MCG, and the southern hemisphere, I think he would be laughing,” Jackson added.