According to former premiership coach Paul Roos, Andrew Krakouer's life was a story of redemption. **This report contains the names and images of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, used with the permission of their families.** Roos spoke about Krakouer, who died in Perth on Sunday at the age of 42 from a suspected heart attack, on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)'s AFL Daily podcast.
Read Also...:
Grand Slam Track: Michael Johnson says 'I can save track, not track and field'
04-05, 2025
England v Australia in Las Vegas: Great Britain Lionesses remember 1996 tour
04-05, 2025
Casey Stoney: Ex-England captain on rebuilding after San Diego sacking and becoming Canada boss
04-05, 2025
Grand National runners: Pinstickers' guide to 2025 Aintree race
04-05, 2025The dynamic West Australian small forward played 137 Australian Football League (AFL) games for Collingwood and Richmond between 2001 and 2013. But Roos said Krakouer's work outside of football after serving time in prison in the late 2000s was an important part of his story. His journey and contributions off the field highlighted his commitment to personal growth and community engagement.
"I think I got a couple of emails from Andrew probably three or four years ago and we were going to do a program together in the prisons and then COVID hit," Roos said. "I think it's a story of redemption and it's really sad. I didn't know him that well, but Matty Richardson, Nathan Buckley spoke really highly of him and my interactions with him were always terrific."
Krakouer was delisted by Richmond at the end of 2007 and returned to Perth to play for Swan Districts in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). The following year, he was convicted of assault with intent to cause bodily harm and sentenced to four years in prison. He was released on parole in August 2009 and returned to football. Krakouer's path to redemption was evident not only on the football field, where he won a WAFL premiership with Swan Districts before being drafted by Collingwood and making a grand final appearance.
After suffering a leg injury, he returned to Western Australia, playing for West Perth until his retirement. Following his playing career, he moved into the media, featuring on the television show Yokayi Footy, AFL's Colour of Your Jumper series, and as a special commentator on Fox Footy's AFLW coverage. In 2024, he co-authored a children's book, "My Dad's Inside," which addresses the challenges faced by children with incarcerated parents.
On the field, Krakouer was known for his ability to perform in big games, kicking three goals in the losing 2011 grand final against Geelong for Collingwood. He also won the AFL's Mark of the Year award in 2011 for a spectacular grab against Adelaide at Docklands. Roos also referenced Krakouer's dominant performance for Swan Districts in the 2010 WAFL grand final, further cementing his legacy as a talented player.
"I just read he had 42 [possessions] and kicked four goals in the [WAFL] grand final! If you put that into Champion Data or Supercoach points, that's 290 points," he said. "It was an extraordinary performance and [he was] incredibly gifted [as a player]. It's just so sad, 42 – it's really hard when you read those things and you can't say anything other than our thoughts are with the family and friends and the whole footy community gets around when things like this happen."
"[He was] a very, very good player and a story of redemption – that's what sticks in my mind the most." "He made a huge contribution to his community and to the broader football landscape." His impact extended beyond the field, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and community involvement.
