The AFL community is grieving the tragic death of Andrew Krakouer, a former Richmond and Collingwood player, who passed away in Perth at the age of 42. Krakouer, known for his exceptional skills and remarkable comeback story, leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the football field.

Krakouer played 137 games across his career, representing Richmond and Collingwood between 2001 and 2013. His most memorable moment came in 2011 when he won the Mark of the Year while playing for the Magpies. The son of Jim Krakouer, a former player for North Melbourne and St Kilda, Andrew Krakouer died on Sunday in Perth, reportedly due to a heart attack.

Drafted by Richmond in 2000 with pick 41, Krakouer made his debut in 2001 and played with the Tigers until 2007. After being delisted, he returned to Perth to join Swan Districts in the WAFL. However, in 2008, Krakouer’s life took a difficult turn when he was convicted of assault with intent to cause bodily harm, leading to a four-year jail sentence. He was released on parole in 2009 and made an extraordinary return to football the following year.

In 2010, Krakouer delivered a stunning season with Swan Districts, earning the club's best and fairest, the league's best and fairest, and being named best on ground in the team's dramatic one-point grand final victory over Claremont. His resilience and determination to rebuild his career after his time in jail inspired many.

Swan Districts coach Brian Dawson reflected on Krakouer’s remarkable journey and dedication to turning his life around. "He owned his sentence with good grace, and worked very hard to rehabilitate himself which he did a fantastic job of doing," Dawson told ABC Radio Perth. "He was very keen to resurrect his football and his life and make sure he was providing well for his family. And he repaid [Swan Districts] in spades."

Dawson also emphasized Krakouer’s selflessness as a player. "He was a great team player and he knew how to bring others into the game. He wasn't all about himself, he was very much about the team."

Collingwood signed Krakouer in 2011, where he made an immediate impact, kicking 35 goals during the season and featuring in the grand final against Geelong. Despite kicking three goals in the decider, the Magpies fell short against the Cats. Recurring leg injuries hampered his progress, and he was delisted at the end of the 2013 season. He then returned to Western Australia to play for West Perth.

After his playing career, Krakouer transitioned into media and mentoring. He worked on the television show Yokayi Footy and provided special comments for Fox Footy’s AFLW coverage. He also dedicated his time to mentoring others, using his life experiences to guide and inspire young people and those navigating the prison system.

Nathan Buckley, Collingwood's former captain and coach, was among those who paid tribute to Krakouer. "What a brilliant footballer," Buckley said on SEN. "He was just a genius. He was just a player who could do the special things — like the hanger he took in 2011 at Marvel [Docklands], was just elite. He just loved the game, found a way to impact and could do things other players couldn't do. He was exceptional."

Buckley also highlighted Krakouer’s resilience. "He went through a bit in his life … he probably had the worst of it and the best of it and showed real grit to fight back and do what he did in his career. That's tragic stuff. So young at 42."

Dawson echoed similar sentiments, praising Krakouer’s ability to successfully transition into life after football. "He had a very good media career, and he had a good job in construction, and he looked after his family well," Dawson said. "That was a credit to the man. From what he'd been through he gave a lot back. He was doing a lot of very good mentoring in the prison system. He turned his life around and he was a model citizen. That's all you can say about him."

Despite his achievements, Krakouer’s journey was not without challenges. In 2022, former Collingwood teammate Héritier Lumumba revealed that he, Krakouer, and Leon Davis had severed communication with Collingwood after 15 months of discussions addressing racist incidents outlined in the 2021 Do Better report.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon expressed his sorrow over Krakouer’s death. "We send our sincere condolences to Andrew's family and many friends across football," 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."

Krakouer was also fondly remembered by his former Richmond teammate Matthew Richardson, who described him as "a beautiful man who was loved by all his teammates." Former Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale echoed the sentiment, calling Krakouer "deeply loved" and acknowledging his "special talent."

Andrew Krakouer leaves behind his partner, Barbara Garlett, and their four daughters. His passing is a devastating loss to the AFL and the wider community, but his story of resilience and redemption will continue to inspire many.