New career helps Hawthorn Hawks AFL legend Shane Crawford deal with his brother’s shock death

Shane Crawford might have made headlines for his exploits on the footy field first, but he’s made a surprising career change to musical theatre – and it’s part of the healing process as he reels from the tragic death of his brother. 

Crawford, who played 305 games for Hawthorn in a glittering AFL career, has landed the lead role of ‘Pharaoh’ in the hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat.

It comes after his younger brother Justin tragically took his own life in late July – which shattered the Hawthorn legend, who was very close to him. 

Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford has made a surprising career move to musical theatre

Crawford (left) giving an interview with his brother Justin (right) when the two played together at Hawthorn

Crawford said despite the horrible circumstances and grief that has enveloped the family, he was throwing himself into the new career trajectory in the hope it would ‘make him smile again’. 

‘I’ve got to try and get my head back into a space where I can … make the most out of life, because it’s precious, and time flies, and you’ve got to make the most of things,’ he told the Herald Sun.

The Brownlow Medallist, premiership player and four-time All Australian for the Hawks moved seamlessly into a broadcasting role in his post-playing career.

He was an iconic figure on The Footy Show, and spent 25 years at Channel Nine before announcing he was leave to pursue other opportunities in January this year. 

Shane Crawford – pictured during his time a host on Channel Nine’s Australian Ninja Warrior – is striking out in a new direction in showbiz

Crawford (fourth from left) was also one of the hosts of popular travel show Postcards

Those roles included hosting duties on Postcards, Getaway, Australian Ninja Warrior and Kids WB – but taking on a lead role in the hit musical will be a whole other kettle of fish.

Crawford auditioned and sang over Skype in the weeks prior to Justin’s death, with the production to open at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in November.

He’ll appear alongside singing superstar Paulini.

Shane Crawford played 305 games for Hawthorn, with his illustrious career including a premiership, Brownlow Medal and four All Australian selections

Somehow he’ll need to prepare for the role of a lifetime while he is still grieving the death of Justin in the most tragic of circumstances.

‘When you lose someone to suicide, you’re an emotional rollercoaster. You cry every day, you ask questions, you ask why every day,’ Crawford said. 

‘You get angry, you get frustrated. It’s a tough time, not only for me, but for my mum, for our family, and for everyone who had a connection with Justin. We all loved him.’ 

Shane Crawford with his mother Dianne. The whole family have been left devastated in the wake of Justin’s death

Justin was a former AFL player himself, kicking 46 goals in 32 games for the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn between 1995 and 1998.  

Two years younger than Shane, Justin was selected by Sydney in the 1994 AFL draft, playing 17 games for the club before moving to Hawthorn in 1997 to play alongside his older brother.

Crawford described his brother as a ‘free spirit’, and he embodied that by walking away from a two-year extension at Hawthorn when he was 21 to travel the world.  

Justin Crawford played 46 AFL games across the Swans and Hawks, and tragically took his own life in July

Sadly, his free-spirited best mate and brother is someone Crawford will forever miss.

‘It’s just sad that, unfortunately, you end your life in a way where you feel like you’ve hit a roadblock, and there’s no way out. That’s the hardest thing all of us are trying to get out heads around.’ 

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.