Former Richmond and Collingwood AFL star Andrew Krakouer dies aged 42

AFL Community Mourns Passing of Andrew Krakouer

The Australian Football League (AFL) community is in mourning following the **death of Andrew Krakouer**, a former AFL forward who has been hailed as a “trailblazer” and a “well-respected individual.” Krakouer passed away at the age of 42 due to a heart attack at his residence in Perth.

Footballing Legacy

Hailing from a prominent football family, Andrew Krakouer was the son of Jim Krakouer and nephew of Phil Krakouer. His father and uncle were celebrated for their captivating skills and performances for North Melbourne during the 1980s, entertaining fans with their football prowess.

Andrew Krakouer continued the family legacy, achieving prominence in the AFL with Richmond.

AFL Career Highlights

Drafted in 2000 as the 41st selection, Krakouer, a Minang and Inggarda man, played 102 games for the Tigers, scoring 102 goals.

His time with Richmond concluded in 2007 after he was delisted following charges related to intent to cause grievous bodily harm in a dispute involving Indigenous families.

vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.

The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.

After serving a prison sentence, Krakouer made a remarkable comeback to football. He shone in the 2010 WAFL Grand Final for Swan Districts. This performance paved the way for his return to the AFL with Collingwood in 2011.

During his time at Collingwood, he added 50 goals in 35 games to his tally, including three goals in the 2011 Grand Final against Geelong, which Collingwood lost.

A knee injury and inconsistent form limited his appearances to just 12 games in the subsequent two seasons. He was delisted in 2013. Collingwood acknowledged during this period that the club had not adequately managed incidents of racism.

Following a brief period back in the WAFL with West Perth in 2014, Krakouer transitioned into roles as a mentor and broadcaster after his retirement from professional football.

Tributes from AFL Figures

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon recognized Krakouer as a gifted forward. Dillon emphasized that Krakouer’s lasting legacy would stem from his personal transformation and his impactful work as a leader. He became a prominent voice in addressing school and community groups while also developing a media career.

“Losing him at such a young age is a tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time, hoping they can find some peace,” Dillon stated.

Former teammate Matthew Richardson paid tribute to Krakouer’s character, recalling, “He always greeted you with a hug and a warm smile.”

Richardson added, “He possessed a wonderful sense of humour and was one of those individuals whose presence made you feel genuinely good… just a genuinely admirable person.”

“As a player, he was exceptionally talented. He was the most skilled crumbing forward I ever played alongside… the quintessential crumber. Despite his size, he was also a strong mark. When he was at his best, he was simply unstoppable.”

Legacy Beyond Football

Richmond Football Club CEO Shane Dunne emphasized that Krakouer’s legacy would extend beyond his achievements on the football field.

“His contributions to the sport were matched by the strength of his character and resilience,” Dunne noted. “He was a true trailblazer and it was fitting that he proudly wore our colours for the inaugural AFL Dreamtime at the ‘G match in 2005.”

“He held immense pride in his culture and served as an inspirational figure for young Indigenous players.”

Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley expressed his sorrow on SEN, describing the news as “tragic” and noting Krakouer was “so young”.

“Krakouer faced considerable challenges in his life, experiencing both the hardest and best of times. He displayed remarkable grit to overcome adversity and achieve what he did in his career,” Buckley commented.

“He experienced periods of difficulty, but he was an exceptionally brilliant footballer, a composed and unassuming teammate who was respectful and dedicated to his profession.”