Crikey, Steve Irwin sculpture's a beauty

Mitch Mitchell puts the finishing touches on his Steve Irwin piece. Picture: Kylie Else

A STATUE of Steve Irwin gripping a big croc could stand proudly over his childhood stomping ground in Moonee Valley.

Mitch Mitchell is putting the finishing touches on a 2.75m clay model of the Crocodile Hunter and wants the local council to splash out $75,000 for it when it's finished in bronze.

Sculpture photos and remembering the Croc Hunter
``Mozart is honoured in his home town; it is fitting that Steve Irwin be honoured where he was born and grew up,'' Mitchell told the Leader.

``This will be a landmark that will attract people to the area.

``People will say `let's go and have our photo taken with Steve Irwin’.''

The final piece will see Irwin clad in his trademark khaki shorts and shirt and confidently holding a croc.

Mitchell has spent three months on the clay model and says $75,000 is a mere snap to finish the work.

Moonee Valley councillors will consider the proposal on Tuesday.

Mayor Paul Giuliano refused to comment until Mitchell's proposal went before the full council.

Irwin, born in Essendon, went to Essendon Primary from 1968 to 1972.

He became one of Australia's most famous celebrities when his wildlife shows were shown around the world.

The father-of-two was killed in 2006 when a stingray barb pierced his heart.

Mitchell, of Richmond, is known for the sculpture near Vodafone Arena of runner John Landy helping up Ron Clarke after the famous Olympic Park race in 1956.

He also created the sculpture of Don Bradman near the MCG and one of ``Captain Blood'' Jack Dyer at Richmond's Punt Rd headquarters.