Shane Crawford went on to play 305 games for Hawthorn Football Club.
Shane’s decorated career includes winning the Brownlow Medal in 1999, the Peter Crimmins Medal on four occasions, All-Australian selection in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2002, and a number of other league awards including the Leigh Matthews Trophy and AFLPA Most Valuable Player in 1999. Shane also captained the Club from 1999-2004.
In 2008 at age 34, Crawford’s 305th AFL game resulted in his first and only premiership. Every Hawks fan will remember the moments after the final siren when Shane lifted his arms with excitement and exhaustion after realising his dream of winning a flag was finally realised.
Shane recently visited Waverley Park to join Hawks Legend Leigh Matthews in recording his ALWAYS HAWTHORN story.
His message to Hawks fans is full of passion and energy from his memorable career at Hawthorn:
"As a young kid growing up in a country town, all I ever wanted to do was play AFL football.
"Hawthorn gave me that chance. They believed in me. They drafted me, they nurtured me, they wanted me.
"I felt loved, but most of all, I felt a part of the family. And that's what Hawthorn's all about..."
Watch on hawthornfc.com.au Watch and share on YouTube
What’s your ALWAYS HAWTHORN story?
Over 500 Hawks fans have submitted their ALWAYS HAWTHORN story to our online gallery.
What makes you ALWAYS HAWTHORN?
Become ALWAYS HAWTHORN by 14 December.
Join as a 2012 member by 14 December to receive the following benefits:
- Exclusive HawksActive 2011 best-of DVD^
- Chance to win a double pass to the 2012 Peter Crimmins Medal
- Special HawksNest offer*
- Hawks Christmas eCard*
^One per household
Reserved seat cut-off date
14 December doubles as the cut-off date for Silver and Tasmanian reserved-seat holders to renew their existing seats for 2012.
Members that do not renew by this date risk losing the seat they occupied in season 2011.
