Shane Crawford's baby surprise
 
Written by: Chloe Adams
Herald Sun
19/1/2006
 

AFL heart-throb Shane Crawford and his partner, Olivia Anderson, are expecting a baby.


Crawford, 31. and Anderson revealed their exciting news to friends and colleagues on Wednesday before leaving for a short holiday. The child, their first, is due in August.


"Shane Crawford and partner Olivia Anderson are going to be parents," a Hawthorn football club statement said.


"Crawf announced the news to the playing group yesterday and said both he and Olivia were ecstatic about the baby.


"Hawthorn will consider a push for an early signing under the father-son rule if the baby is a boy.


"Congratulations Crawf and Olivia on behalf of the coaches, players, staff, members and supporters at Hawthorn."


The couple have been together for more than a decade since meeting at a Flemington young members' day.


Although the Brownlow medallist admitted marriage was on the table in 2004, they have never tied the knot. Crawford said in an interview that he had been blown away with feelings for Anderson.


"She would be an amazing mother and is pretty keen to have kids, too," he said.


"What I have found more is the friendship has become stronger and stronger.


"She is a great girl, she just understands me so well and I appreciate that."


Crawford shocked Hawks fans later in 2004 with his tell-all television documentary, Shane Crawford Exposed.

 
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