21 April 2001
In 1979, the Canadian born rock star Neil Young sang it was better to burn out than fade away. Justin Crawford retired prematurely due to the pressures of football. Perhaps he was super self-critical. Crawford inherited the perfect DNA to succeed at the top level. Like older brother Shane, Justin was a product of Assumption College Kilmore, a school that has produced more champion footballers than just about all the other high schools in the state put together. Assumption was the proving ground for Peter Crimmins and 'Crackers' Keenan and John Tossol and Bill Brownless and dozens of others. Justin originated from Tocumwal in southern NSW, so the Swans swooped with a 1994 zone selection. JC arrived in Sydney with fellow zone recruit Leo Barry. Crawford impressed straightaway with his speed, his skills, his aggression and that little bit of time to deliver the ball clean as filtered water. The Opera House silhouettes gave their new guy the number 23 jumper worn with distinction by Colin Hounsell and Shane Fell. And before South was relocated, 23 was synonymous with Bobby Kingston and 1949 Brownlow Medallist 'Smokey' Clegg. The Craw made his debut in 1995 at the age of 18. A turbo charger on two legs. Hard at the footy. Creative as a Moomba float. Plus could provide a morale lifting goal. The youngster established himself quickly. The 1996 Ansett Cup. The Swans faced the marauding Kangaroos. A contest of epic proportions. Crawford used his electrifying pace and perfect disposal to set up two majors for Craig O'Brien. Carey, Wayne not Stefan, booted three telling goals. The Roos won by a whisker. Round 6 1996. Sydney versus Essendon at the SCG. The game tight as a Hendrix E string. The skill level belied heavy conditions. First the Dons scored two unanswered snags. Then the Swans bounced back. Late in the last, it looked as if the sashes would fall over the line. Then three minutes from time Crawford scooped up a ball that was sliding towards the boundary like a cake of Cashmere Bouquet. He evaded two tackles and measured the shot. Straight through the big white verticals. When the final siren blew the result was a draw. Swans 14.6 to the Bombers 12.18. Round 18. Sydney gave Melbourne an absolute tarmacking. Crawford racked up 25 touches and kicked a great running goal in the second. Swans easy as a sleep in. 17.13 to 6.16. The Craw man got some kind of knee injury at the worst time of year with the Swans headed for the finals. He was unable to force his way back into the action for September. For Justin Crawford the sand was through the hourglass at harbour town. Hawthorn picked up the J guy in 1997 in exchange for David McEwan and Rowan Warfe. At Glenferrie, the younger Crawford accepted the number 23 made famous by Peck and Scott and Brereton. Justin made a solid contribution to the win over the Swans at Waverley 15.9 to 11.8. In round 16 1998, the Hawks a shock loss to Collingwood. Crawf booted a nice goal in the last but in vain. The Magpies 19.10 to the hapless Hawkers 4.14. Justin goaled also when Port won at Westlakes .Then suddenly he lost form and struggled with a few injuries. At the end of '98, Justin Crawford decided to quit at the age of 21. Burn out. It occurs in lots of occupations so why not football? He had 17 games for 11 goals at Sydney, 21 games for 20 goals with the Hawks .Too young for retirement. But he didn't fade away.