Richmond and Collingwood player : Former AFL player Andrew Krakouer, who played for Collingwood and Richmond, has passed away in Perth at the age of 42.
Krakouer featured in 137 games for both clubs between 2001 and 2013 and won the 2011 Mark of the Year while playing for the Magpies.
The son of former Kangaroos and Saints player Jim Krakouer, the West Australian footballer tragically passed away on Sunday in Perth, reportedly due to a heart attack.
Andrew Krakouer Passes Away at 42: AFL Mourns the Loss of a Star
Krakouer began his AFL career with Richmond in 2001 after being selected with pick 41 in the 2000 national draft.
He was delisted at the end of 2007 and returned to Perth to play for Swan Districts in the WAFL.
In June 2008, he was convicted of assault with intent to cause bodily harm and sentenced to four years in prison.
After being released on parole in August 2009, Krakouer rejoined Swan Districts for the 2010 season, where he made a remarkable comeback.
He dominated the competition, winning the club’s best and fairest, the league’s best and fairest, and earning best-on-ground honors in Swan Districts’ thrilling one-point grand final victory over Claremont.
His former coach at Swan Districts, Brian Dawson, praised Krakouer’s journey of redemption, calling it a privilege to witness.
He took responsibility for his sentence with humility and worked incredibly hard to rebuild his life, which he did an outstanding job of,” Dawson told ABC Radio Perth.
AFL Career: Richmond, Collingwood, and a Remarkable Comeback
He was deeply committed to rebuilding both his football career and personal life while ensuring he could support his family.
And he gave back to Swan Districts in every possible way.
Dawson emphasized that Krakouer’s impact extended beyond his individual talent.
He was a fantastic team player who had a knack for involving others in the game, Dawson said.
He wasn’t just focused on himself—he was all about the team.”
In 2011, Collingwood signed Krakouer, and he quickly made his mark with the reigning premiers. He kicked 35 goals that season and played a key role in the AFL grand final, scoring three majors in the Magpies’ loss to Geelong.
From Triumphs to Challenges: Krakouer’s Legacy On and Off the Field
Krakouer was delisted at the end of 2013 after battling recurring leg injuries and returned to Western Australia to play for West Perth.
Following his football career, he transitioned into media, working on the television program Yokayi Footy and providing special commentary for Fox Footy during AFLW broadcasts.
Shelley Ware, a Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman who co-hosted the AFL’s Colour of Your Jumper series with Krakouer, described his passing as heartbreaking.
He had a presence that could light up any room,” she said.
He always wanted the best for everyone.
He understood that people make mistakes but also believed in the power of learning and growth.
Shelley Ware expressed her hope that Krakouer would be remembered for this meaningful work, beyond just his achievements on the football field.
The legacy he leaves for children experiencing this hardship is what I hope defines his memory—along with his deep love for his family,” she said.
In April 2022, former Collingwood player Héritier Lumumba revealed that he, Krakouer, and Leon Davis had cut all ties with the club. The trio had engaged in 15 months of discussions with Collingwood to address a series of racist incidents highlighted in the Do Better report published in 2021.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he was “deeply shocked” by Krakouer’s passing.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Andrew’s family and many friends throughout the football community,” Dillon said in a statement.
His loss at such a young age is truly tragic, and we hope his family can find some peace during this heartbreaking time.
To all his former teammates at Richmond and Collingwood, the AFL media team, and Indigenous players and staff across the industry, our thoughts are with you.
Krakouer was fondly remembered by his former Richmond teammate Matthew Richardson, who described him as “a beautiful man, loved by all his teammates.
Former Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale also paid tribute, calling Krakouer “deeply loved” and a “special talent.
Krakouer is survived by his partner, Barbara Garlett, and his four daughters.
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