- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following statement contains the name of a deceased person.
Former Richmond and Collingwood AFL star Andrew Krakouer has died at the age of 42.
Krakouer played 102 AFL games for the Tigers and another 35 for the Magpies between 2001 and 2013.
The son of North Melbourne great Jim Krakouer and nephew of Phil, Krakouer played a key role in the media after his playing days, co-hosting AFL.com.au‘s Yokayi Footy and commentating for the National Indigenous Radio Service.
Selected at pick 41 in the 2000 AFL Draft by Richmond, Krakouer was a crafty and dangerous forward at the Tigers and kicked 102 goals in his seven seasons at Punt Rd.
His Tigers career came to an end after he was charged and eventually found guilty of assault in Fremantle and sentenced to 32 months in prison.
Having played for the Wooroloo Prison team while incarcerated, Krakouer returned to Swan Districts in 2010 and produced a stunning WAFL season, which saw him win the Sandover Medal and the Simpson Medal as best on ground in the Grand Final.
A return to the AFL loomed and he was picked up by the Magpies, where he kicked 35 goals in the 2011 season, including three in the Grand Final loss to Geelong.
He also won Mark of the Year in 2011 for a incredible grab against Adelaide.
“We send our sincere condolences to Andrew’s family and many friends across football,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.
“To lose him at such an early age is a tragedy, and we hope there can be some peace for his family in this heart-breaking and difficult time.
“To all his past teammates at Richmond, Collingwood, the team at AFL Media and all Indigenous players and staff across the industry, our thoughts are with you all.”
North Melbourne offered its sincere condolences to the Krakouer family following the sudden passing.
Andrew’s father Jim and Uncle Phil were much-loved by the Kangaroos faithful during their time at the club from 1982-89. Their younger brother, also named Andrew, played eight games for the club from 1989-90.
Jim won the Syd Barker Medal in 1986 and both he and Phil topped the goalkicking table three times for the club.
Post-playing career, Andrew forged a successful career in media, and was a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players in the AFL system. He was 42 years old.
North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood AM offered her condolences to Jim, Phil, their brother Andrew and the extended Krakouer family.
“This is such a sad time and a big shock. On behalf of all North Melbourne people, I send our heartfelt love and support to Jim and the entire Krakouer family,” Dr Hood said.
“Andrew never played for North Melbourne, but as the son and nephew of two of our greatest ever players in Jimmy and Phil, he will always be part of the Kangaroos family.”
