Crawford Should Have Gone Out On Top

Shane Crawford has decided to go another year after coming down from the high of a premiership win.

I feel he has made a mistake as next year holds no guarantees for his fitness for starters, as well as Hawthorn's ability to maintain the momentum gained from this season.

Every player would love to go out a winner on Grand Final Day. Crawford had the chance to do that and he has potentially thrown away a great opportunity. Next year he could realistically succumb to a season ending injury half way through the season. 34 is not an old man by life expectancy standards, but it is old by professional sporting standards. An old body at this level, the way the game is played these days, is more susceptible to injury.

I wish him well for next season as he has been a great player for Hawthorn.