Shane Crawford – That’s What I’m Talking About
Last modified: October 3, 2010
The following synopsis is from
www.borders.com.au
That’s What I’m Talking About
Whether it’s playing footy, hamming it up on television, or being a family man, one thing’s for sure – Shane Crawford will give it his all. When Shane Crawford debuted for Hawthorn Football Club in 1993, little did he know what an amazing future awaited him.
The kid from tiny Finley in New South Wales would become a champion of the game, the heart and soul of his club, and a successful media performer. With behind-the-scenes accounts from the people who are close to Shane on and off the field, this is the candid story of a larrikin who did things his own way while always inspiring the team. Never one to shy away from the cameras, he earned the respect of his peers for his talent, his extraordinary fitness, his generosity of spirit and his never-say-die attitude.
Crawf’s sixteen years at the club took in a decade of disappointing results, a proposed merger, controversial sackings and major injuries. But his loyalty to the brown and gold was rewarded when he finally reached Australia’s biggest stage – grand final day at the MCG – where, against all odds, his stellar football career had a fairytale ending.
Some people will say that Shane Crawford is a just a footballer or an entertainer but as he showed recently with his 780km run and walk from Melbourne to Adelaide for Breast Cancer he is a motivated athlete who loves to push himself as a person and athlete.
I read with interest how he nearly left the Hawks twice late in his career and how at various times he was unhappy with the way the board handled things. The way he ended his career was fitting and reading his book I saw how close he was to watching his teammates win a premiership whilst he watched from the sidelines.
If I was to be critical I’d say that it was unnecessary to have so many quotes from opinions from teammates and friends at the end of each chapter. It was repetitive at times to read 5 people say, it was great to see him win a premiership. The good news is with the layout of the book you can skim over this easily if you’d prefer.