That's What I'm Talking About

by Shane Crawford, Glenn McFarlane

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.

About The Author

Shane Crawford debuted with Hawthorn Football Club in 1993 and has had a distinguished AFL career. He was a Brownlow medallist in 1999, runner-up in 2003, captain for six years between 1999 and 2004 and has been awarded best and fairest four times and made the All Australian team four times. Shane played 304 AFL games before attaining his first premiership in his 305th and final match. He is a regular panelist on Channel Nine's The Footy Show, and a presenter on Postcards and Money for Jam. He has two boys with his partner, Olivia.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography

344 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Shane Crawford played his first game for Hawthorn Football Club in 1993 and had an amazing AFL career over 17 seasons. He won the 1999 Brownlow Medal, was club captain for six years between 1999 and 2004 and won Hawthorn's Best and Fairest four times. Shane played 304 games before winning his first premiership in his 305th and final match. He is a regular panelist on Channel Nine's The Footy Show and the AFL's national Auskick ambassador. He has four sons with his partner, Olivia Anderson.

Reviews

[Sharon Metcalf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I wasn't really a fan of this book. I had high expectations because my sister had told me it was great....although I think she told me the junior version of his book was great. I really wish I'd grabbed that one. She said she read it in a day. My biggest complaint about this book was that it was too long to hold my interest. I like Shane Crawford. I met him at a Cancer Fundraising event. I think he seems like a good person. I love watching AFL and he was one of the greats in that sport. I really loved that he had a good relationship with his mother and his own family (wife and two children) and he was so grateful to his mum for all the sacrifices she made to help him reach his AFL goals. I just wished I had been able to learn all this in half the pages (or less). I got that he was totally dedicated to his sport. I admire that, a lot. I am absolutely convinced that most of the readers of this book would be avid Hawks fans, or AFL fanatics at least, and would have loved all the behind the scenes stuff; the recollections of specific games. Sadly, I don't fit that category. I just needed to read a sports book to fill a BT Bingo square and thought it might be one I'd enjoy. So, in terms of Shane Crawford as a person, I rate him. Unfortunately I didn't rate his book as highly.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another sporting biography which all seem to follow the same pattern, but having said that it was well written and interesting in parts. I do get annoyed by the need to put in accolades from other players, coaches etc, almost like a testimonial. There are no "bad" bits in the book, and he is shown in a good light in all the stories. Still apart from that, it was interesting to read and it showed clearly how sport has changed so dramatically in Australia. AFL fans, particularly Hawthorn ones, I suspect will really enjoy it.

[Todd Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always admired Shane Crawford, not just as a player, but a person as well. I knew he was fit when he played, but I had no idea how much work he put into his footy. This is a great insight into his world and what when on in his club.

[Lewis Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Shane Crawford With Glenn Mcfarlane shares his insights into his life and how he came to be the superstar Brownlow medalist he is. He became that superstar with hours and hours of hard training and therefore becoming the best athlete he could. The book never had a dull moment, it mixed humour with all the seriousness of his career. The book also tells of how he nearly didn't play the 2008 Grand Final because of knee tendinites (jumper's knee), but through utter determination he played as he had for the whole of his career, collecting 25 touches.
Alastair Clarkson sums him up perfectly.
"Crawf, your capacity to break the spirit of an opponent through work rate and guts was better than anyone I have ever seen play this great game of australian rules. Anyone."
By reading this book I learnt how much Shane's mum helped him throughout his childhood and how much he loves his mum.
A highly reccommended book for anyone looking for an uplifting Autobiography.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still to finish..

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for Hawthorn FC/AFL fans.