SHANE Crawford’s comeback match inspired a fairytale victory and a record crowd for the Aldinga Sharks yesterday.

Adding to his list of memorable feats, the Hawthorn champion kicked four goals in his first game since retiring after winning the 2008 premiership.

Crawford answered an SOS when he headed to Aldinga in South Australia to play a match for the battling Sharks, who have been losing by an average 167 points.

The Brownlow medallist became an instant hero before over 5000 fans as the Sharks toasted their first win of the season.

“To the Sharks boys, I know I didn’t know your names but I loved your spirit when we were down,” Crawford said.

“You know what, that almost felt better than when the Hawks won in 2008. No no. Before I go all I want to say is ‘that’s what I’m talking about!’ ”

Crawford, 39, admitted he was nervous but loved that winning feeling after willing the club to a 38-point win over the O’Sullivan Beach-Lonsdale Lions.

“I was struggling in the last quarter and cramping up a lot,” he said.

“My teammates did all the hard work and it was a lot of fun to get out and have a kick and I’m glad I made it through the whole match.

“I can’t thank the Lions enough. They were fantastic the way they went about it.”

Aldinga president Danny Wilde was speechless.

“This is amazing. I can’t get over it,” he said.

“It’s been mad, the biggest thing we’ve had. Even bigger than the Tour Down Under that was here. We were hoping for 5000 people but look at this. He’s an awesome man.”

Crawford, who was supported by his Footy Show colleagues Billy Brownless and Sam Newman, has previously walked from Adelaide to Melbourne and cycled across the Nullarbor.

Newman arrived at the ground via helicopter and also suffered from pre-game nerves before singing the ­national anthem wearing a white suit.

“They’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s called fashion,” he said.

“I borrowed it from Doc (Geoffrey) Edelsten. He used it to go to a few functions with Brynne.”