Emotional Shane Crawford opens up on the heartbreak of his beloved brother Justin’s tragic death
An emotional Shane Crawford has spoken out on the heartbreak he experienced following his brother Justin’s tragic passing in 2022, as the Hawthorn great looks to raise awareness about mental health issues in Australia.
Justin, who played AFL football for both Sydney and Hawthorn, died by suicide three years ago this month, at the age of 45.
‘You’re trying to make me cry,’ Shane said to 7NEWS, as he bravely reflected on his brother’s passing.
‘It’s just like a wild storm that’s just thrown into your face, and you just don’t know how to sort of move through it.
‘When I heard the news from my mother, and it took a full day for my mother to communicate with me.’
Shane hopes telling his story can inspire others to reach out for help if they are struggling.
An emotional Shane Crawford (pictured) has spoken out on the heartbreak he experienced following his brother Justin’s tragic passing in 2022
Justin (pictured), who played AFL football for both Sydney and Hawthorn, died by suicide three years ago this month, at the age of 45
‘We’ve got to try and stop it. We’ve got to be better at dealing with it and trying to stop it before the worst can possibly happen.’
While his career never reached the heights of his elder brother Justin was an accomplished footy player.
He was recruited to play for the Swans from Murray Football League side Tocumwal and made his debut for the Swans at the age of 18 back in 1995. Justin earned himself a Rising Star nomination that same season following an excellent display against Fitzroy.
He’d return 11 goals across 17 appearances for the Swans, before joining his brother at Hawthorn in 1997, before walking away from AFL football a year later at the age of 21, citing a desire to travel. But that wasn’t the end of his time on the pitch, with Justin returning to play WAFL footy with South Fremantle in 2005.
‘I was very proud of him and probably needed to tell him more,’ Shane added.
When asked what he would say to his brother today, he replied: ‘I’d just tell him that he’s always been loved and cherished and, you know, we want him around, you know, to grow into an old man, but that’s not the case.
Crawford (left) giving an interview with his brother Justin (right) when the two played together at Hawthorn
‘He adored his son and had such an unbelievable relationship,’ Shane added.
‘Just to know that he didn’t feel worthy enough to be around for that … umm, he was obviously well and truly over the cliff.’
‘We were lucky because we had a few little notes that were left and, it doesn’t fix things. Does it make it easier? Probably not, but there were a few things there that explained a little bit about how he was feeling and a little of him explaining how much he loved and thanked everyone for helping.’
The former Hawthorn star is an AIA Ambassador and will now be joining up with Ironman Guy Leech and ultrarunner Sam Gash to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention as they take part in Sydney’s City to Surf fun run on Sunday, August 10.
Health and life insurer AIA will donate $300 to the Blackdog Institute for every mile that the trio runs.
The Blackdog Institute is a mental health charity that conducts research into suicide prevention and mental health issues. They also provide resources and support for those who might be struggling with their mental wellbeing. You can access their resources here. https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/
It comes as AIA reports that payments for mental health claims have almost doubled from $280million in 2023 to $557m in 2024.
Mental health expert Dr Jamie Lee said: ‘It is absolutely indiscriminate and the mental health situation in Australia has been getting more and more urgent each year.’
Shane (pictured) is an AIA Ambassador and will now be joining up with Ironman Guy Leech and ultrarunner Sam Gash to raise money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention as they take part in Sydney’s City to Surf fun run on Sunday, August 10.
Crawford (pictured) added that more needs to be done to help raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention
This year, 28 per cent of total and permanent disablement claims have been related to mental health, according to the insurer.
‘That’s what’s really concerning is that when it’s a life insurance claim, it’s for disability as a result of mental health, which means that they’re actually unable to work or perform their normal duties at work,’ AIA CEO Damien Mu said.
And so that’s a real concern if we’re saying one in four people are now claiming for that reason.
‘Mental health knows no boundaries, is indiscriminate, but it’s men in particular that seem to be fairing worse,’ Mu added.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling support grups and suicide prevention services. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
The Suicide Call Back service provides 24/7 support. Call 1300 659 47.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
MensLine Australia can also provide online and telephone counselling. Call 1300 78 99 78, or chat online.
MindSpot can be contacted if you’re struggling with anxiety, stress low mood or depression. This phone number is not an emergency or initial response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
