Shaun Hart has joined the ranks of the Sunshine State’s greatest athletes with his induction into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame.
The Bull Sharks’ Head of Coach Education and Culture Development joined Queensland Rugby League star Paul Vautin, Emilee Cherry OAM OLY (Rugby Union), Jim Atkins OAM (Horse Racing, posthumously), Mark Knowles OAM OLY (Hockey) and Darren Thrupp OAM PLY (Athletics) in the class of 2024 inductees.
Fifteen years after his induction into the Hall of Fame, former world number one tennis player Pat Rafter was awarded the highest honour available to a former athlete or coach in the state when he was named a ‘Legend of Queensland Sport’.
Hart, a three-time AFL premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist for his best-on-ground performance in the 2001 Grand Final, played a combined 273 games in Bears and Lions colours.
The hard-working midfielder now stands alongside former premiership teammates Jonathan Brown (2018), Simon Black (2016), Jason Akermanis (2015), Marcus Ashcroft (2009), Alastair Lynch (2009), Michael Voss (2009) and coach Leigh Matthews (2009) in the Hall of Fame.
He was joined on stage by Lions premiership Coach Chris Fagan who was awarded the Queensland Government 2024 Queensland Sport Coach of the Year award.
Hart, who has spent the past two seasons working alongside close mates Andy Lovell and Max Kennedy in the Bull Sharks football department, touched on a theme that would no doubt be familiar to the Bond footballers he has influenced during his time at the club.
“I am truly blessed to have been part of such an incredible football family, which has led to this honour,” he said.
“Without the love of my amazing wife, Linda, and all of my family and friends, none of this would have been possible.
“I believe we are given these opportunities not for our own gain, but as a platform to influence our world with the messages that really count.
“Mine is very much about faith, overcoming fear and the power of love, the right leadership and relationships in our lives.”
2024 Legend of Queensland Sport:
Pat Rafter OLY (Tennis)
2024 Queensland Sport Hall of Fame Inductees:
Paul Vautin (Rugby League)
Emilee Cherry OAM OLY (Rugby Union)
Jim Atkins OAM (Horse Racing, posthumously)
Shaun Hart (AFL)
Mark Knowles OAM OLY (Hockey)
Darren Thrupp OAM PLY (Athletics)
2024 Queensland Sport Awards:
Channel 9 2024 Queensland Athlete of the Year - Kaylee McKeown OAM OLY (Swimming)
Queensland Government 2024 Queensland Para-athlete of the Year - Alexa Leary PLY (Swimming)