29. SHAUN HART - Together with His God, They Won the Norm Smith Medal for Best Player at the 2001 AFL Grand Final

Shaun Hart was once dubbed the most selfless player in the AFL and anyone privileged to have known Shaun or see him play would agree. He is one of the all-time greats of the Brisbane Lions AFL Football Club and will forever be remembered as a three times Premiership Player and the winner of the Norm Smith Medal – the ‘best player on the ground’ in the club’s first premiership success of 2001. Teammate and Brisbane Lions Champion, Alistair Lynch once said of Shaun, “We simply looked up to Harty, because of the way he conducted himself in life. His religious beliefs were his foundation, for they fueled him to be totally honest and trustworthy. You always knew that he would always do the team things and that gave you an enormous amount of confidence.”

When Shaun suffered a horrific facial injury that ruled him out of his 4th consecutive Grand Final in 2004, iconic coach and legend, Leigh Matthews said, “We love Shaun Hart. I know it's a funny word and I know we don't use it, but he is the most magnificent human being. He is so much the heart and soul of this team”.

For onlookers, Shaun's mix of devout Christianity and his rugged, focused, courageous running on the football field became a source of curiosity and intrigue. Even more so, when with millions of viewers worldwide Shaun accepted the 2001 Norm Smith Medal by first thanking “my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceZLkSolQFY)

It was a degree of openness and transparency that drew enormous respect.

This episode is fascinating for so many reasons, but one thing becomes undeniable. For those who BELIEVE in an ALL-LOVING GOD, their FAITH can enhance their capacity to love, rescue them in times of need and give one an empowering clear life purpose. This episode is a tutorial about the importance of being true to self. It is a lesson in the power of servant leadership, but most of all, it is a story about one man’s discovery of a pathway that guarantees for him a life of love, joy and meaning. That’s why asking Shaun Hart to be a guest on A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE was a no-brainer. Enjoy this episode for you are about to meet a beautiful human being and a rare soul.
Oh! …  and don’t forget to ‘google’ THE RESILIENCE PROJECT. It is the second time this popular program about mental health strategies has become a strong recommendation of our guest.