TonyK
Tash Jayasinghe
CibbuanoCrawford calls it quits
November 8th 2008 07:48
HAWTHORN midfielder Shane Crawford has announced his retirement from AFL football.
Crawford, who just weeks ago agreed to terms with the Hawks for next season, said a period of soul-searching after the grand final win had resulted in a change of heart.
"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," he said.
"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."
"The Club have been fantastic through this time and I can’t thank them enough for their support in letting me come to my own decision."
Crawford finishes a stellar 305-game career with a premiership, a Brownlow medal and four Club Champion awards.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said Crawford had given his all to the club over the course of his 17-year career.
"Crawf has been an outstanding role model to so many in the game, " he said.
"He was still one of the best trainers and he can stand tall knowing that he gave every last drop for the Hawthorn Football Club. He has wrung the towel dry and he can walk away proud, having played his part."
Crawford, who just weeks ago agreed to terms with the Hawks for next season, said a period of soul-searching after the grand final win had resulted in a change of heart.
"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," he said.
"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."
"The Club have been fantastic through this time and I can’t thank them enough for their support in letting me come to my own decision."
Crawford finishes a stellar 305-game career with a premiership, a Brownlow medal and four Club Champion awards.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said Crawford had given his all to the club over the course of his 17-year career.
"Crawf has been an outstanding role model to so many in the game, " he said.
"He was still one of the best trainers and he can stand tall knowing that he gave every last drop for the Hawthorn Football Club. He has wrung the towel dry and he can walk away proud, having played his part."
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