AFL great Shaun Hart inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame

AFL icon Shaun Hart was inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame last month, at the annual QSport Awards in Brisbane. 

The 171 game Brisbane Lions clubmen is now etched into Queensland sporting history, joining the likes of Simon Black and Jonathan Brown. 

Famously described by AFL coaching royalty Leigh Matthews as the most selfless player to play the game, it was no surprise that Hart was truly humbled to receive this honor.

“I’m honoured to receive this award, but really it is only because of other people like my wife that I am standing here tonight” said Hart. 

“It is just a real joy to know that I have been a part of Queensland sport history.

“To be honest it is one of those things that you don’t expect, but it is just a really nice cherry on top.”

Whilst Hart played an astonishing 273 AFL club games over his career, he is best remembered for his stand out performance in the Lions’ inaugural AFL Grand Final Win in 2001, which saw him awarded with the Norm Smith Medal.  

Hart played in all three of the club's Grand Final victories in 2001, 2002 and 2003, before retiring from professional football the following year. 

The 52-year-old has since remained heavily involved in football and was this year appointed the Senior Coach at Bond University AFL Club. 

With his former club having won the flag this year, for the first time since he wore the guernsey, Hart cannot help but get excited by the opportunity success provides.  

“When you have success there is a platform that is given to you and these platforms can be used in speaking into the lives of others,” said Hart.

“So I really think sport is an incredible gift.”