Former Richmond and Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer dies, aged 42

The AFL world is mourning the sudden death of former Richmond and Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer, who passed away in Perth on Sunday night.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains the name and images of deceased persons.

Former AFL player Andrew Krakouer was gardening at his family home when he suffered a fatal heart attack on Sunday.

The ex-Tiger and Magpie, 42, was remembered as a “ripper person” who will be sorely missed by his four young daughters and partner.

Krakouer played 137 AFL games at Richmond and Collingwood and was lauded for his ability to turn his life around, turning hardship and incarceration into helping others in a similar situation – particularly young people.

The son of Indigenous team of the century member Jim Krakouer, Andrew was drafted by Richmond at pick 41 in the 2000 AFL draft, and made his AFL debut in Round 7, 2001, going on to play 102 games for the Tigers.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon credited Krakouer - the 2010 Sandover medallist for his 40-possession, four-goal performance in the WAFL grand final - not only for his playing career, but also his ability to turn his life around.

“We send our sincere condolences to Andrew’s family and many friends across football,” Dillon said on Monday.

“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.”

Krakouer’s former club Richmond also remembered the ex-Tiger - a proud Minang (Nyoongar) and Inggarda (Yamatji) man who was one of two indigenous players to play in the first-ever Dreamtime at the ‘G game in 2005.

“He always greeted you with a hug and a warm smile,” former teammate Matthew Richardson said.

“He had a great sense of humour and was one of those people you felt really good to be around.... just a ripper person.

“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.

“This is such terrible news. My heart goes out to his partner Barbara and his four daughters, who he adored.”

Andrew Krakouer won mark of the year in 2011. Picture: AAP Image/Martin Philbey

Tigers chief executive Shane Dunne said Krakouer’s impact and legacy “extends beyond his football career”.

“His contributions to the game were matched by the strength of his character and resilience,” he said.

“He was a trailblazer ... he was very proud of his culture and someone that young Indigenous players looked up to and he was an ongoing supporter of Korin Gamadji (Institute, at the club), which we are very grateful for.

“His passing will be felt across the AFL community such was his impact on the game.

“On behalf of the Richmond Football Club we send our condolences to Andrew’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Collingwood chief executive Barry Carp said the club, like many, were “shocked” at Krakouer’s passing.

“Andrew represented Collingwood in 35 games between 2011-2013. Fans will always remember his Mark of the Year at Marvel Stadium and the three goals he kicked in the 2011 Grand Final against the Geelong Cats,” he said.

“Andrew played a leadership role at Collingwood, strengthening relationships with First Nations players and contributing to building greater understanding in our game. He sought to assist others where he could and spoke to many school groups about his experiences through football and life.

“Collingwood extends its deepest condolences to his partner Barbara, his children and the wider Krakouer family.”

Rest in peace Andrew Krakouer. A beautiful man who was loved by all his teammates. Always greeted you with a hug and a smile. Love to Jimmy and Andrew's daughters and all his family. Very sad day ❤️

— Matthew Richardson (@mattricho0) March 30, 2025

Former coach Nathan Buckley said on Monday he was “a genius”.

“He made the most of his opportunities,” Buckley said on SEN.

“He was troubled at times, but what a brilliant footballer. Really calm, quiet teammate who was respectful and went about his business.

“I really enjoyed the years with him, and that’s really sad for his family, first and foremost

“He was just a genius. He was just a player who could do the special things … the hanger he took in 2011 on Marvel was elite. He loved the game, found a way to impact and could do things other players couldn’t do. He was exceptional.”

Former Collingwood teammate and fellow staunch anti-racism advocate Heritier Lumumba remembered his “realest brother” who he said “had each others backs on and off the field”.

The pair had stood firm in allegations of racism at the Magpies, with Lumumba saying Krakouer had “walked through the fire to stand with me”.

“A true Noongar warrior. On the field, he was instinctive, composed, and surgical—the cleanest on the ground and some of the greatest evasive skills the game has ever seen,” Lumumba said on Monday.

Andrew Krakouer and Heritier Lumumba after a Krakouer goal in the 2011 grand final.

“Vision, balance, and undeniably brilliant.

“We reconnected deeply in recent years—speaking regularly. He walked through the fire to stand with me as a brother, carrying a fight inherited from his father and uncle—determined to confront racism in the league & the country, and to make the path easier for those coming after us.

“Off the field, he never wavered.

His growth as a man inspired me.

His laugh. His commitment to his people. His accountability. His evolution.

A devoted family man—gentle, proud, and full of love for his girls.

I carry his memory with love— and pain.

I love you brother, I’ll miss you.”

Current Greater Western Sydney player Stephen Coniglio played alongisde Krakouer for Swan Districts in the 2010 WAFL grand final and laid bare his emotion at the loss of his “hero” on Monday.

“Lost for words today,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I can’t even begin to think where my career and life would have headed if I never had met you. You overcame so much of your own adversity only to give back to mine and many others.

“Will never forget meeting you, Christmas eve sessions, 2010, the annual reunions and you passing down your jumper to me. You were our hero mate and you’ll never be forgotten.”

Krakouer was jailed in 2008 for a serious assault for 16 months, having been delisted by Richmond.

He was thrown a footballing second chance in 2011 by Collingwood, where he played 35 games.

In 2021, Krakouer revealed he had been central to alleged racism at the club, which had been laid bare in the Do Better report released that year.

“We need to make sure the right changes are made, so that our next generation doesn’t experience racism and the trauma associated with it and so they can work and live in a culturally safe environment,” he said at the time.

“I feel that I have a responsibility to not only continue my family legacy, but to continue standing up and calling out racism.

“He eventually made peace with the club in 2012 and had worked there for a period of time.”

So saddened by the tragic and unexpected passing of Andrew Krakouer. Krak was a special talent - but more than that, he was a deeply loved husband, father, son, teammate and friend. My condolences are with the Krakouer family and all who loved him. Rest easy Krak.

— Brendon Gale (@brendongale25) March 30, 2025

Over the last decade, Krakouer had entered the media working on indigenous football program Yokayi Footy and in special comments for AFL Women’s on Fox Footy.

He also penned a children’s book, “My Dad’s Gone Away” in 2024, addressing the experiences of children with incarcerated parents. Krakouer is survived by his four daughters, with partner Barbara Garlett.

Former Tigers chief executive and current Tasmania boss Brendon Gale described Krakouer as “a special talent”.

“‘Krak’ was a special talent - but more than that, he was a deeply loved husband, father, son, teammate and friend,” Gale wrote on X.

“My condolences are with the Krakouer family and all who loved him. Rest easy Krak.”

Ex-Collingwood and West Coast forward Scott Cummings described Krakouer as “a beautiful bloke”.

“I loved Kraks. Gave me so much joy on the field but even more off it. Was a beautiful bloke who’d greet u with a smile, a hug and a “my brother”,” he wrote.

“His 2010 Swan Districts GF game is still the best individual performance I’ve ever seen on a footy field. I’ll miss ya my brother.”

Originally published as Former Richmond and Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer dies, aged 42