Quality football players are a rare breed. Even more, those who get the chance to play for their State. Shaun Hart was chosen to play for Victoria against the Allies (Queensland & NSW) with much respect from his Lion coach. The Australian newspaper reported "Coach Leigh Matthews enlightened the born again Brisbane Lions midfielder as to just how his selection was warranted. 'Hart's value as an opportunist goal scorer could prove invaluable in a night game in which tall forwards traditionally struggle and on a ground where he feels at home.'"

Shaun said, "I never believed I was going to get the opportunity, and I'm 27 now, which makes it even more of a surprise." Coach Matthews responded that Hart was a graphic example of how players develop at different stages of their careers.

Shaun's teenage years were in Shepparton where was drafted to Brisbane as an 18 year old. Shaun's wife Linda had become a Christian a couple of years ago and invited Shaun to church. National Baptist's June 1997 magazine quoted Shaun, "I went to have a look because she (Linda) loves life and you can see the Lord flow through her and the peace of the Lord within her. At times I was a moody sort of fellow and I wondered how she could stay so happy. I heard a European lion tamer give (his) testimony (which impacted me to make a decision). Becoming a Christian wasn't something I planned to do."

Shaun's (response) to Brisbane Lions team chaplain Dean Davis, "a lot of his impact goes unnoticed. When I was ready to give it away, Dean (encouraged) me to persevere and got me back into the fray. He has influenced a lot of players and got them back on track in more ways than one". Shaun says Christian athletes have a massive impact as role models for youth and says to the young about following Christ, "Go for it. Don't hesitate but go full on. Experience the joy:"

Article courtesy of SLM