Shane Crawford keeps spirits high for Bush Cats

Coaching country footy team Ardmona Bush Cats has been a roller-coaster ride for former Hawthorn great Shane Crawford — but he says even losses are a win.

Former Hawthorn great Shane Crawford is riding a wave of highs and lows as coach of the battling Ardmona Bush Cats footy team.

The Bush Cats tasted rare glory earlier this month, winning their first game in six years against Lockwood.

But the three matches since that historic victory have been losses.

“We have had a win and now we are striving for another win,” Crawford said.

“Even though we lost by 20 goals last week, we did lose by 62 goals to that side a few years ago.

“So spirits are high and we celebrate a 20-goal loss as much as we celebrate our first win in many years.”

AFL legend Shane Crawford coaches struggling country football team the Ardmona Bush Cats. Picture: David Caird

Shane Crawford with Ardmona Bush Cats players. Picture: David Caird

All roads lead to Ardmona, near Shepparton, it would seem as Crawford, the host of Postcards and Ninja Warrior, rallies his high-profile mates to come to games to inspire the struggling team (above).

“Don Scott said he would love to help and I would love to get Sam (Newman) to come up and they can take over the coaching duties for the day and maybe I can get out and play,” he said. “They can take all their coaching frustrations out on me on that day.

“Sam Mitchell said he would come and play one day and I am holding him to that.”

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