He has been around a while - this is his 17th season at Hawthorn. Almost a lifetime for some – Cameron Stokes and Cyril Rioli were just one-year old when Shane Crawford was drafted by Hawthorn with the 13th pick in the 1991 National Draft.
It was not long before ‘Crawf’ announced himself to the football world either. In just his second senior appearance against Sydney, the Assumption College product amassed 23 possessions and booted five goals in the illustrious company of club legends such as Ayres, Dunstall, Langford and Pritchard.
As many of his celebrated teammates retired soon thereafter, Shane Crawford’s career went to the next level. His contribution to Hawthorn has evolved to be one of the more significant in football.
The former club captain has tallied 160 career Brownlow votes, won the Brownlow, been named AFLPA MVP, won four Club best-and-fairests, a pre-season premiership and been selected All-Australian four times to name only a portion of his playing honours.
As ‘Crawf’ overcomes patella tendonitis, 2008 looms as perhaps his best chance at claiming that one accolade void of his footballing resume – A Premiership.
What is your favourite Shane Crawford football memory?
Who will be the next Hawk to reach 300 games?
Share your thoughts on Shane Crawford with other Hawks fans below.
The views in this blog are those of the author and not necessarily the views of the Hawthorn Football Club.
