In his own words ... Shane Crawford: That's what I'm talking about

Hawthorn great Shane Crawford enjoyed a fairytale finish to his star-studded career.

The 1999 Brownlow Medal winner and four-time best and fairest winner played a starring role as the Hawks stunned the Cats on grand final day to win the 2008 premiership.

It was the champ's 305th and last game.

Respected and loved by all footy fans, Crawford is excited about the release of a fabulous book that celebrates his extraordinary life.

Released by Penguin Australia and written with the help of experienced sports journalist Glenn McFarlane, "Shane Crawford That's What I'm Talking About" is certain to prove extremely popular among footy fans (especially those with brown and gold in their hearts).

Crawford's inspirational story is not so much about his notable career with Hawthorn, but his humble beginnings.

Before he had reached high school, Crawford had lived in three different states as his beloved mother Dianne uprooted the family to escape his alcoholic father.

Not surprisingly, football was the dominant things in Crawford's life and he knew from an early age that he wanted it to be his career.

Speaking for the first time about the events leading up to the 2008 flag, Hawthorn's proposed merger, controversial sackings, major injuries, near club trades and forays into show biz, Shane Crawford's loyalty to the brown and gold and relentless pursuit for a premiership is what draws him through to Australia's biggest sporting stage - grand final day at the MCG - where, against all odds, his stellar football career had a fairytale ending.

The sensational book is available from all good book shops.

For more information log on to: penguin.com.au