Crawford taking time to ponder future
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Shane Crawford addresses fans during celebrations at Melbourne's Federation Square after the grand final. (AAP: Simon Mossman)
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says he is unsure if midfielder Shane Crawford will play on next season.
The Hawks' 26-point win over Geelong in yesterday's grand final delivered 34-year-old Crawford his first premiership in his 17th season.
Mr Kennett says the 305-game veteran will be given time to make a decision about his future.
The four-time All-Australian and Brownlow medallist has struggled with a knee injury this season and was rested leading into the finals.
Mr Kennett has paid tribute to Crawford's career.
"Along the way he's been captain of the club for a number of years, he's won a Brownlow and now he's a member of a premiership team," he said.
"I guess that spirit, that length of service epitomises the good and the best values of Hawthorn."
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said he will let Crawford make his own decision.
"[It's] probably up to Crawf and the club to work out over the next three or four weeks," Clarkson said.
"[There's] no hurry to make that decision - if he does decide to retire, there couldn't be a better way for him to go out on."
Crawford said last night he would not consider his future until after the celebrations are finished.
"If it feels like this every year it'd be awesome, but they're so hard to get," Crawford said.
"I'm sure the guys realise that we've just got to enjoy the moment while we can and refocus in a few months on where we want to go for next year."
Hawks supporters are gathering at Glenferrie Oval to continue celebrating the club's first flag since 1991.
Mr Kennett said the Hawks are the first side to have won a flag in five consecutive decades.
"[We're] the only club at this stage in the sport's history that has won a premiership in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90's, now early 2000s," he said.
"We have made history, the boys have made history, but now after a period of time to breath all this in, we have to plan for the next lap."
Disappointed Cats fans have also begun arriving at Kardinia Park to show their support for the players.
