Robbie Williams has been widely praised for his pre-game performance at the AFL Grand Final, and entertainment reporter Peter Ford says “beautiful” tributes from the singer were what made the performance.

The singer performed John Farnham’s ‘You’re The Voice’, dedicating the performance to the Aussie icon who is recovering from surgery for mouth cancer.

He also dedicated his performance of ‘Feel’ to the late cricket legend Shane Warne.

“The personal touches Robbie brought to it by referencing Shane Warne and John Farnham, I thought were just beautiful things to do,” he told 6PR Breakfast.

“It was always going to be a perfect fit, you know? You knew he was going to work.”

John Farnham’s family has issued a statement saying he was “deeply touched by that very generous gesture”.

Press PLAY below to hear Peter Ford’s view on the performance

Image: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images