EFL: Phil Krakouer to serve as Nunawading senior assistant in 2021

Nunawading has landed a Kangaroos legend in a coup for a club which broke broke its 62-game losing streak last season.

Nunawading celebrates its first win in 62 matches last season. Picture: Davis Harrigan

What a coup for Nunawading.

The EFL Division 4 club has welcomed North Melbourne legend Phil Krakouer as senior assistant coach for season 2021.

The renowned wingman played 141 matches for the Kangaroos from 1982-1990 for 224 goals after carving out 90 games with WA state league side Claremont, winning a flag in 1981, before finishing his career with seven games at Footscray in 1991.

Phil Krakouer helped Claremont to the 1981 flag before crossing to North Melbourne.

He links up with re-signed Lions senior coach Ryan Dobson, who played under the VFL/AFL great at Outer East club Powelltown, before the pair worked together at Mitcham and EDFL club Roxburgh Park during Dobson’s playing career.

Nunawading broke its 62-game losing streak last season on its way to three wins and a seventh-placed finish.

Dobson said the ‘Roos great would contribute to the club’s on and off-field fortunes in season 2021.

“He’ll be good for us – he’s really well experienced not only in his playing career but he’s coached at senior level, been assistant coach and skills coach at lots of different clubs all over Melbourne at different levels,” Dobson said

“He’ll be at training and he’ll be involved in the day to day coaching and game-day coaching and he’ll be a big asset for us in regards to hopefully some player recruitment.

“He also creates a bit more interest and that was a way of looking at getting other guys down to the club, and Phil’s a bit of a legend and if he can put his name out there get a few extra guys coming down to the club with having face-to-face experience with an ex-AFL legend.

“When I wrapped up playing, he wrapped up the coaching side of things and then I’ve been trying to get him involved for a few years at Nunawading and this year being my first year as a senior coach I thought I’d tap in and see if I can get him involved and he’s happy to join in.”

The Lions have also welcomed new recruits Cameron Woods (Canterbury, VAFA) and James Young (Seville, AFL Outer East) who are set to bolster the midfield following the departure of captain Jordan Winter to Surrey Park.

Dobson said Krakouer would be invaluable in the development of players as the club looks to build on its 2019 progress.

“(With Phil’s connections) we’re hoping to open up a bit of a pathway from Western Australia to come through Nunawading as well,” Dobson said.

“He’s easy-going and he’s approachable, I’m close with him and he helped me a lot when I was playing, so I’ve seen that side and how he can help younger guys learning the game.”

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