Keeping a secret from a colleague is hard enough, but when that colleague shares an office with you, it becomes much harder.

That was the situation for Stuart Maxfield, who had the tough job of keeping tight-lipped about the induction of development coach and former team mate Jared Crouch into the Hall of Fame at last night’s Sydney Swans Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Dinner.

Maxfield said despite his inside knowledge about the induction, Crouch remained blissfully unaware about his upcoming accolade.

“Someone offered up a question while we were both in the office about who was actually getting inducted into the Hall of Fame and (Crouch) was clearly unaware, so it (was) a nice surprise for him,” he said.

“He is obviously a guy who has been around the club for a long time and has experienced the lows and the highs, and the ultimate achievement in a premiership in 2005.

“I think (the induction into the Hall of Fame) will cap it right off for him.”

After arriving at the club in the 1995 draft, Crouch played 223 games with the Swans, kicked 51 goals and quickly developed into a fine ‘run with’ player, especially against dangerous small forwards.

Maxfield said Crouch’s undeniable qualities of commitment, resilience and competitiveness have been assets to the Swans since he joined the club from South Australian club Norwood.

“From the moment he walked into the club as an 18-year-old, he has always been his own person and has had some really strong beliefs and values,” he said.

“He held those strong values right through his time at the club, but at the same time he has always been a pretty humble individual.

“He is quite a unique character because right across his career, whether it was to do with football issues or issues outside of football, he always held strong to his views, and within a football club that’s what you need - good strong views and healthy debate - and that’s what Jared has been able to provide.”

On field, Maxfield said Crouch was an invaluable team player, who always pushed himself and his team mates to the limit.

“He was always a fierce and resilient competitor,” he said

“That’s the reason he always got so much out of himself and gave so much to the team because he just hated losing.

“Jared was often the one who would rock the boat and would often rock the boat just for the sake of it, which was really healthy.

“It meant that everyone in the group was willing to challenge each other and everyone was willing to look for solutions and make decisions that were in the best interests of the whole playing group.

“Jared was certainly one of those players who was ready to take a different path to everyone else just to see what would happen.”

Maxfield said there was no doubt Crouch fit the bill to be inducted into the Swans Hall of Fame and said it was great seeing his colleague, team mate and friend receive the highest club honour.

“During his time at the club he has really added value to the place and has got the most out of himself, but has also got the most out of other people,” he said.

“He has been an invaluable asset and is just another player or member of the Sydney Swans who deserves this accolade.

“Both his efforts on and off the field have helped to raise the profile of the Sydney Swans, and that’s something he has always been able to do.”