By Peter Ryan and Michael Gleeson
Mick Malthouse, the three-time premiership coach who handed Andrew Krakouer the chance to rebuild his AFL career after he was released from prison, has paid tribute to the former Collingwood and Richmond forward, who died from a heart attack in Perth on Sunday aged 42.
Malthouse, former Tigers champion Matthew Richardson and GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio were among those mourning the sudden death of Krakouer, who carried one of the most famous names in football.
The family of former Pie Andrew Krakoeur has given permission for his image to be shared.Credit: Sebastian Costanzo
He was the son of Jim and nephew of Phil Krakouer, who paved a path for Indigenous players and starred for North Melbourne in the VFL in the 1980s.
A Noongar man, Krakouer played 102 matches for Richmond from 2001-2007, when he was delisted.
His career was interrupted when he was jailed for serious assault in Perth in 2008 after being found guilty of serious assault.
The Magpies gave Krakouer a second chance when added him to their list at the end of 2010. Under Malthouse, he kicked 35 goals in 23 games including three goals before half-time in the grand final loss to Geelong in his first season.
Krakouer’s mark of the year.Credit: YouTube/Collingwood Football Club
“What he overcame was extraordinary, but he was never bitter. He never blamed anyone. He served his time and he got on with it. He acknowledged it and he came back clearly a different person and made the most of [the opportunity],” Malthouse said on Monday.
Krakouer took mark of the year in 2011, leaping back into a pack against the Adelaide Crows.
He suffered an ACL injury in a practice match in February 2012 and only played 12 matches under Malthouse’s successor, Nathan Buckley, before his career ended in 2013.
After his release from jail he did not resile from his mistakes and was remorseful for his crime.
“He was an unbelievably thoughtful person,” Malthouse said. “It’s so sad for his partner, his children and his mum and dad. I know he left a massive impact with [his teammates].
Coniglio expressed gratitude to his former Swan Districts teammate.
The pair played together in the 2010 WAFL grand final when Krakouer won the Simpson medal for best on ground in a one-point win over Claremont. Fremantle forward Michael Walters and Carlton assistant Ashley Hansen were also in the premiership team.
Coniglio said he was “lost for words today… I can’t even begin to think where my career and life would have headed if I never met you. You overcame so much of your own adversity only to give back to mine and many others”.
Richardson called Krakouer the perfect crumbing forward.
“When he was on song, he was unbeatable.” the former Richmond champion said.
Krakouer was a different player to his dad, a crafty small forward rather than an onballer.
He was adored by his former coach, the late Danny Frawley, and Richardson loved him.
Matthew Richardson and Andrew Krakouer.Credit: Ray Kennedy
“He always greeted you with a hug and a warm smile,” 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.”
Krakouer was one of two Indigenous Richmond players in the inaugural Dreamtime at the ’G match in 2005.
Andrew Krakouer retired from the AFL in 2013.Credit: Photographic
Buckley described him as understated but an exceptional talent.
“He was just a genius. He was just a player who could do the special things,” said Buckley, who was an assistant coach when Krakouer arrived and took over as senior coach in 2012.
“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.”
“I want my community to be strong and to be proud and I want the game of Australian football – the game I love – to be welcoming of First Nations people at all times, on and off the field and in the stands,” Krakouer said at the time.
“I want us to keep striving to be better.”
Collingwood president Barry Carp said the club’s thoughts were with Krakouer’s family and friends.
“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.”
Richmond CEO Shane Dunne added that Krakouer would forever be remembered for his contribution to the club.
“Andrew’s time at Richmond will always be remembered fondly, and we send our deepest condolences to Andrew’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
“Andrew’s legacy extends beyond his football career. His contributions to the game were matched by the strength of his character and resilience.”
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.”
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