An emotional Shane Crawford has opened up about the profound heartbreak he experienced following the tragic death of his brother, Justin Crawford, in 2022. The former Hawthorn AFL great is using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues in Australia, a cause that has become deeply personal for him.
Justin Crawford, who played AFL football for both the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn, died by suicide three years ago at the age of 45. Reflecting on this devastating loss, Shane Crawford shared his emotional journey in an interview with 7NEWS, describing the experience as akin to “a wild storm” that left him unsure of how to navigate through the grief.
“You’re trying to make me cry,” Shane said, bravely recounting the moment he learned of his brother’s passing from their mother. “It took a full day for my mother to communicate with me.”
Shane hopes that by sharing his story, others who are struggling might be inspired to seek help. He emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues proactively, stating, “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.”
Justin Crawford: A Talented Player and Beloved Brother
While Justin Crawford’s AFL career did not reach the same heights as his brother Shane’s, he was nonetheless a talented player. Recruited from the Murray Football League side Tocumwal, Justin debuted for the Sydney Swans at 18 in 1995, earning a Rising Star nomination that season. He later joined Shane at Hawthorn in 1997 before stepping away from AFL to travel, ultimately returning to play WAFL with South Fremantle in 2005.
Shane expressed pride in his brother’s achievements and reflected on the deep bond they shared. “I was very proud of him and probably needed to tell him more,” Shane admitted. When asked what he would say to Justin now, Shane 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.”
“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… he was obviously well and truly over the cliff.”
Raising Awareness and Funds for Mental Health
In the wake of his brother’s death, Shane Crawford has become an ambassador for AIA, a health and life insurer, joining forces with Ironman Guy Leech and ultrarunner Sam Gash to raise funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. The trio will participate in Sydney’s City to Surf fun run, with AIA donating $300 to the Blackdog Institute for every mile they run.
The Blackdog Institute is a mental health charity that conducts research into suicide prevention and mental health issues, providing crucial resources and support for those in need. This initiative comes at a critical time, as AIA reports a significant increase in mental health claims, which have nearly doubled from $280 million in 2023 to $557 million in 2024.
Mental health expert Dr. Jamie Lee commented, “It is absolutely indiscriminate and the mental health situation in Australia has been getting more and more urgent each year.”
The Urgent Need for Mental Health Support
According to AIA CEO Damien Mu, mental health issues now account for 28 percent of total and permanent disablement claims. “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,” Mu explained.
“Mental health knows no boundaries, is indiscriminate, but it’s men in particular that seem to be faring worse,” Mu added.
As the conversation around mental health continues to grow, Shane Crawford’s efforts to honor his brother’s memory by advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention are a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking help and supporting those in need.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counseling support groups 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 at 1300 659 47. For mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, contact Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636 or chat online. MensLine Australia offers online and telephone counseling at 1300 78 99 78, or chat online. MindSpot can be contacted for issues related to anxiety, stress, low mood, or depression at 1800 61 44 34.
