Hawthorn champion Shane Crawford calls it quits

Posted by Jesse Penfold

November 10, 2008

We interupt our draft month coverage to bring you some big non-draft news. Shane Crawford has changed his mind regarding his future and decided to retire from the Hawthorn Football Club, and AFL Football altogether:

Hawthorn veteran Shane Crawford has announced his retirement from AFL football.

Crawford, 34, told Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson and general manager of football operations Mark Evans on Friday evening of his decision not to play on, following weeks of private reflection over his future.

This decision was made shortly after he had signed a one-year deal to come back for the 2009 season. While his return would have been welcomed by all fans alike, you cannot fault him for his decision to leave the game as a premiership winner:

“The recent break and distance away from the game has enabled me to re-think what I wanted to achieve in footy – and the answer is that I have achieved what I had hoped when I set out,” Crawford said in a statement released by Hawthorn.”

“Winning a premiership with Hawthorn has been the highlight of my career. I am proud to have represented one club and will look back at everything we have achieved over my 17 years at the Hawks with fond memories.”

“Having some time to reflect, standing on the podium on grand final day as premiers had always been my ultimate goal. It is a great way to go out of the game – on a high, with a premiership medal, at a time of my choosing.”

If you call yourself a football fan Crawford receiving his premiership medallion had to be amongst the season highlights (Geelong fans excluded), and I am sure more grown men than Gary Ablett shed a tear that day. Shane Crawford you are a legend, and will be sorely missed.

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