Shane Crawford, a former Australian rules football player, TV personality, and author, participated in 305 senior games for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Notably, he clinched the Brownlow Medal in 1999. Presently, Crawford serves as the head coach for the Ardmona Cats. Achieving All-Australian player status four times, he also contributed to three International Rules series for Australia.
In 1999, Crawford took on the role of Hawthorn’s captain, securing both the Brownlow Medal and the Leigh Matthews Trophy that season.
He earned four Hawthorn Best & Fairest Awards (1998, 1999, 2002, 2003) and played a vital role in Hawthorn’s 2008 premiership victory.
After the 2004 season, during which he broke his arm and Hawthorn finished second last on the AFL ladder, Crawford stepped down from the captaincy.
Biography
Shane Barry Crawford, born on 9th September 1974, is a prominent figure in Australian rules football, television media, and literature. As of 2024, at the age of 49, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the sports and entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Hailing from Finley, New South Wales, Crawford’s journey into the world of football began at the Finley Football Club during his childhood.
His boarding school years at Assumption College in Kilmore, Victoria, laid the foundation for a career that would soon capture the hearts of football enthusiasts across Australia.
Shane Crawford Career
Crawford’s early years were spent in Finley, New South Wales, where he played junior football for the Finley Football Club. After attending boarding school at Assumption College in Kilmore, Victoria, he was picked by Hawthorn in the 1991 AFL Draft, making his debut in 1993.
With 305 AFL games under his belt, Crawford was a four-time All-Australian player and won the Brownlow Medal and Leigh Matthews Trophy in 1999.
He captained Hawthorn in 1999 and led them to victory in the 2008 premiership. Crawford retired after the 2008 season, capping his career with a premiership win.
Post-retirement, Crawford delved into media, appearing on shows like The AFL Footy Show, Getaway, and Kids’ WB. He also participated in The Celebrity Apprentice, raising funds for the Breast Cancer Network Australia.
In 2012, he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Crawford set several world records, including kissing 96 people in a minute and donning 180 pairs of underwear.
He even served as the weight for a powerlifter during a record-breaking bench press. As an author, Crawford penned his autobiography, “That’s What I’m Talking About,” and co-authored a series of children’s books with Adrian Beck.
He also engaged in significant charity work, raising funds for breast cancer awareness through runs and cycling events. Honored with the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, Crawford’s impact extends beyond his stellar football career, making him a well-rounded figure in sports, media, and philanthropy.
Shane Crawford Net Worth (as of 2024)
As of 2024, Shane Crawford boasts an estimated net worth ranging from $16 million to $30 million, a testament to his successful career and ventures beyond football.
Shane Crawford Personal Life
Crawford’s personal life is marked by a deep connection with his longtime partner, Olivia Anderson. The couple has four sons: Charlie (born 2006), Benjamin (born 2008), and twins Jack and Harry (born 2011).
Family remains a cornerstone of Crawford’s life, evident in his dedication to raising awareness for breast cancer through charity events like the “That’s What I’m Walking About” run and the “Tour de Crawf” cycling event.
Parents and Siblings
Shane Crawford’s family includes two brothers, Andrew and Justin, showcasing a bond that extends beyond the football field.
Beyond his immediate family, Crawford’s interests are diverse, ranging from his passion for horse racing to launching his children’s wear range, Kiniki, in 2011.
In Conclusion
In 2012, Shane Crawford received the well-deserved honor of induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his place among the football legends.
Beyond his football career, Crawford has ventured into the world of media, showcasing his versatility on programs like The AFL Footy Show, Getaway, Postcards, and Kids’ WB.
His foray into the Guinness World Records and charity work further highlights the multifaceted nature of this Australian icon.
In 2022, Crawford surprised fans by making his musical theatre debut in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Melbourne, adding yet another dimension to his already illustrious career.
Shane Crawford’s journey is not just a biography; it’s a testament to passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference, both on and off the field.
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