Hawks legend Shane Crawford names the AFL’s best and worst bum tappers
Shane Crawford has laid bare the AFL players who like to give the other blokes on the field an encouraging bum tap. And he’s not afraid to name names.
Confidential
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Hawthorn legend Shane Crawford has named the AFL’s best and worst bum tappers.
“Alistair Clarkson (Crawford’s premiership coach at the Hawks) was always big on a bum tap, especially from a coaching point of view,” Crawford told Confidential.
“As a player, you always like receiving it, because it’s a sign of encouragement, a sign of ‘well done.’ It’s always a good thing. I used to do it to the ruckman all the time because I wanted them to kick the ball to me.”
Crawford’s comment come ahead of TAB’s Tap Initiative. For each bum tap during the AFL and NRL finals, TAB will donate $100 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation Of Australia.
The initiative aims to raise $100,000 and spread awareness about the non-invasive way to get a prostate check.
“We love watching finals, but we’ll be watching it from a different point ... counting all the bum taps,” Crawford said.
Asked if bum taps were off trend, and had given way to high-fives and bear-hugs, Crawford said: “No. Bum taps are still a thing. It still happens a lot. I used to bum tap myself just to feel good.”
He confided: “I’ll tell you who’s a big bum tapper, and he’s not actually playing, but I’ve asked to keep a count of his activities during the finals — (former Cats star) Cameron Mooney.
“He normally interviews a lot of the players and, as they walk off, he usually gives them a bit of a bump tap. We need to get in his ear and make sure he continues with it.
“(Former Hawks, now Bears star) Luke Hodge was a bit of a bum tapper, and he’s still part of the finals series,” Crawford said. “(Tigers captain) Trent Cotchin is always giving a few, always encouraging his teammates.”
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Who was the worst bum tapper Crawford played footy with?
“Jordan Lewis (the former Hawks and Demons star),” Crawford answered without hesitation. “He doesn’t like to get too close. He’s more verbal.”
Latest figures show 54 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every day.
Crawford said: “There’s a lot of awesome charities out there, but this is a great campaign to put time, effort and focus on men’s health.”