An articulate and outspoken individual, 'Tiger' Crosswell was renowned as one of the finest 'big game' players of his era and is one of a small group of VFL/AFL footballers to have won premierships with two clubs.
Crosswell was also known for his tempestuous professional relationship with coach Ron Barassi, under whom he played at all three clubs for all but four of his fifteen seasons in the VFL.
Recruited from Northern Tasmanian club Campbell Town, Crosswell made his VFL debut in 1968 for Carlton.
[3] In 1975 he left Carlton and went to North Melbourne and play a crucial role during the club's golden period, adding two more premierships to his resume.
Crosswell is said to be the inspiration for Tasmanian footballer Geoff Hayward in David Williamson's 1977 play The Club.