Shane Crawford reveals what fans DIDN’T see after he ‘dacked’ Sam Newman on The AFL Footy Show – and says the incident could have ended his career
It was one of the most controversial moments in the history of The AFL Footy Show.
In 2001, former Hawthorn skipper Shane Crawford spectacularly ‘dacked’ fellow panellist Sam Newman live on stage, exposing his genitals to the nation.
While it’s common knowledge that Channel Nine was inundated with complaints, only a few people are privy to what happened the morning after the incident.
‘It was a disaster’: Shane Crawford, 45, (pictured) has revealed his biggest fear after exposing Sam Newman’s genitals live on the AFL Footy Show in 2001
Shane, 45, said on Wide World of Sports’ Long Story Short that he feared his career was over after the infamous prank.
‘I’m thinking I’ve lost the captaincy of Hawthorn, I’ve lost my job at Channel Nine, and to look over and see Eddie McGuire rolling on the ground, I knew I’m in massive trouble here, I’ve really done the wrong thing,’ he said.
‘I was in total shock, I really was. I knew from your reaction, Ed, that it was way over the line and from Sam’s point of view, Sam was like, “Do you know what? If you’re ever going to do anything like that, you need to tell me.”‘
Controversial moment: In 2001, former Hawthorn skipper Shane Crawford made headlines after he spectacularly ‘dacked’ fellow panelist Sam Newman live on stage, exposing his genitals to the nation (pictured)
Public backlash: Nine was quickly inundated with complains from audience-members claiming the act was too rude for screens. Pictured: Sam Newman in 2010
Fortunately, Shane’s worst fears were never realised.
‘The next day when we all came together to talk about it, [Nine executives] were like, “Keep up the good work, don’t do that again, but keep having fun on the TV and Sam, keep your pants on,”‘ he said.
It wasn’t the last time Sam’s groin would be exposed on the controversial program.
Scandalous: In 2014, the presenter exposed himself during a skit which saw him wheeled in on a hospital bed
In 2014, the presenter exposed himself during a skit which saw him wheeled in on a hospital bed.
Channel Nine axed the once mighty Footy Show in May 2019, following a dramatic drop in ratings and failed attempts to revamp the ageing format.
The current hosts appeared to be blindsided by the decision as they told fans ‘we’ll see you next week’ as the show went off air for the last time.
Axed! Channel Nine axed the once mighty Footy Show in May 2019, following a dramatic drop in ratings and failed attempts to revamp the ageing format