Former AFL forward Andrew Krakouer has been remembered as a “trailblazer” and “just a ripper person” after his death at the age of 42 from a heart attack at his family home in Perth.
The West Australian was the son of Jim Krakouer and nephew of Phil Krakouer, the brothers who entertained North Melbourne fans with skilful play in the 1980s.
Andrew followed in their footsteps, and found success in the AFL at Richmond.
After being drafted in 2000 with the 41st selection, the Minang and Inggarda man played 102 games for the Tigers and kicked 102 goals.
He was delisted in 2007 after being charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in a dispute between Indigenous families.
After serving time in prison, Krakouer starred in the 2010 WAFL grand final for Swan Districts and returned to the AFL with Collingwood in 2011, and kicked 50 goals in 35 games including three in the 2011 grand final loss to Geelong.
A knee injury and uneven form saw him play just 12 games in the two seasons before his delisting in 2013 in a period the club recognised it had failed to appropriately manage incidents of racism.
After a short stint back in the WAFL for West Perth in 2014, Krakouer worked as a mentor and broadcaster in retirement.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said Krakouer was a talented forward but would be remembered for the work he had done to turn his own life around, becoming a leader in addressing school and community groups while building a media career.
“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,” Dillon said.
Matthew Richardson paid tribute to his former teammate’s character and said “he always greeted you with a hug and a warm smile”.
“He had a great sense of humour and was one of those people you felt really good to be around…. just a ripper person,” Richardson said.
“As a player, he was super talented. He was the best crumbing forward I played with … the perfect crumber, and he was a good mark for his size as well. When he was on song, he was unbeatable.”
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Richmond Football Club CEO Shane Dunne said Krakouer’s legacy would extend beyond his football career.
“His contributions to the game were matched by the strength of his character and resilience,” Dunne said. “He was a trailblazer and fittingly wore our colours for the first AFL Dreamtime at the ‘G match in 2005.
“He was very proud of his culture and someone that young Indigenous players looked up to.”
Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said on SEN it was “tragic stuff” and he was “so young”.
“Gee he went through a bit in his life, Krak, he probably had the worst of it and the best of it, he showed real grit to fight back and do what he did in his career,” he said.
“He was troubled at times, but what a brilliant footballer, a really calm, quiet teammate who was respectful and went about his business.”