AFL Media Personality

Keynote speaker Shane Crawford, a 16-year veteran of Hawthorn and a highly marketable player, is one of the few stars from the league who has transitioned fluidly into a full-time media career. Since his retirement from the AFL in 2008, Crawford has become a regular on Channel Nine's 'The Footy Show', 'Sunday Footy Show' and 'Postcards'.

Originally from Finley in New South Wales, Shane received his football grounding at Assumption College. He became one of the AFL’s premier players, delighting football fans with his superb ability, endurance and inspiring courage.

Non-Profit Work
In 2010, Crawford expanded his influence to the non-profit world, dedicating himself to raising money for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) by completing an 11-day ultra-marathon from Adelaide to Melbourne. The ultra-marathon, called “That's What I'm Walkin' About”, raised an incredible $500,000 for the BCNA and confirmed Crawford’s clout as a heavy-hitting media personality who has the ability to attract a crowd wherever he goes.

In 2014, he took to two wheels to raise more money for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA), riding more than 3700 km from Melbourne to Perth on the “Tour De Crawf”.

Television Programs
A fun and engaging personality, Crawford is able to captivate a wide-ranging audience. In 2011, he was a star on Australia's original incarnation of “Celebrity Apprentice’, showing a mix of talent and personality to advance to the final four contestants and endearing himself to the Australia-wide audience.  Crawford has featured as a contributor on numerous programs including ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ and ‘Money For Jam’.

Print Journalism
Crawford also connected with his audience through print journalism, taking readers behind the scenes and into the mind of a champion during his time as a columnist for the Sunday Herald Sun. In addition to columns, he covered another one of his many passions: horse racing. During the Herald Sun's major Autumn and Spring Carnivals, he offered his unique and informed perspective.

Shane and long-time colleague Glenn McFarlane produced his autobiography, “That’s What I’m Talking About” in 2010 through publishing house Penguin.

In 2011, Crawford assumed the role as the face of Supercoach, the Herald Sun’s beloved interactive AFL competition played by more than 400 000 readers.  

Radio Shows
Crawford was a feature on Triple M’s AFL radio coverage in 2009, offering special comments on its main Sunday broadcast. Crawford provided the listener with keen insight into the game along with a mix of humour, making him a perfect fit for Triple M’s audience.  In 2012, Crawford joined AFL Live’s Saturday afternoon match broadcasts into regional markets.

National Campaigns
The seasoned Crawford has become a sought-after brand for media and corporate organisations looking for a well-known face to represent them. Focus on Furniture have incorporated Crawford into their marketing strategy, along with Crown’s West End precinct and Country Racing Victoria. Crawford’s most recent national project was assuming the role of the AFL's Auskick Ambassador, in which he promotes the AFL's junior development program.

AFL Years
On-field, Crawford’s 305th and final AFL game saw him finally taste the ultimate success, with the Hawks’ 2008 triumph providing him with one of the most well-deserved Premiership medals any individual has ever received.

At the start of 1999, Crawford  became the captain of Hawthorn, a move which proved to be a wise appointment. Crawford led the young Hawks to Ansett Cup victory in the pre-season, won the Brownlow Medal for his talent and gamesmanship, captured his second Club Best and Fairest award, was an All-Australian selection and scooped the pool in the media awards.

Crawford returned to top form after leading the Hawks to consecutive finals series in 2000 and 2001, winning the club Best and Fairest in 2002 and 2003. He was an All-Australian selection in 2002 and narrowly missed securing his second Brownlow in 2003.

In all, Crawford was a four-time Hawthorn Best and Fairest winner and four-time selection to the  All-Australian team. His storied career culminated with his induction in 2012 to the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

A devoted family man, Crawford lives in Melbourne with partner Olivia and their sons Charlie, Benjamin and twins Harry and Jack.