Andrew Krakouer facts for kids

Andrew James Krakouer (born 4 February 1983 – died 30 March 2025) was a talented Australian rules football player. He played for two major teams in the Australian Football League (AFL): the Richmond Football Club and the Collingwood Football Club.

Early Life and Family

Andrew Krakouer was born in Melbourne in 1983. He came from a family deeply involved in Australian rules football. His father was Jim Krakouer and his uncle was Phil Krakouer, both well-known players. Andrew was also the cousin of Nathan Krakouer, who played for the Gold Coast and Port Adelaide teams.

Andrew started his football journey playing for the South Fremantle colts team in the WAFL.

AFL Career

Playing for Richmond

Andrew Krakouer was chosen by the Richmond team in the 2000 AFL draft. He was the 41st player picked overall. Before playing his first AFL game, he played for Richmond's partner team, the Coburg Tigers, in the VFL.

His AFL debut was in 2001 against Essendon at the MCG. In that game, he kicked two goals. Andrew was a small, quick forward who was very good at dodging opponents. He was also a strong tackler. In 2004, he made 95 tackles, which was the most for Richmond that season.

In 2006, Andrew faced a difficult personal challenge. This led to him leaving the Richmond team in October 2007.

Time in WAFL and Comeback

After leaving Richmond, Andrew returned to Western Australia. He began playing for the Swan Districts team in the WAFL.

During this time, Andrew spent some time in prison. While there, he played football for the Wooroloo Prison team. After being released in August 2009, he rejoined Swan Districts for the 2010 season.

Andrew had an amazing comeback season in 2010. He won the Swan Medal as the best player for Swan Districts. He also won the prestigious Sandover Medal as the best and fairest player in the entire WAFL. In the 2010 WAFL Grand Final, he was named the best player on the field, winning the Simpson Medal. He had 42 disposals and kicked four goals, including the winning goal in the final moments of the game.

Return to the AFL with Collingwood

Because of his incredible performance, the Collingwood team signed Andrew Krakouer in October 2010. He joined Collingwood after a special trade involving the new Gold Coast Suns team. However, due to his past, he could not join his new teammates for their training camp in the United States.

In his first season with Collingwood in 2011, Andrew kicked 35 goals in 23 games. He was the second-highest goal scorer for Collingwood that year. He also kicked three goals in the 2011 AFL Grand Final against Geelong. Andrew won the 2011 AFL Mark of the Year award for an amazing catch he made in a game against the Adelaide Crows.

In February 2012, Andrew suffered a serious knee injury, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. Despite this, he worked hard and returned to play later in the 2012 season. He even kicked four goals in a final against the Hawthorn Football Club.

Andrew changed his guernsey number to number three in early 2012, the same number his father, Jim, wore. However, he later decided to go back to number seven, which he wore successfully in 2011.

Andrew Krakouer was delisted by Collingwood at the end of the 2013 season. He then signed to play for West Perth in the WAFL. Although he initially planned to pursue a job in mining, he ended up playing four games for West Perth before finishing his career.

Andrew's final career totals included:

• Richmond: 102 games / 102 goals
• Collingwood: 35 games / 50 goals
• Coburg Tigers (VFL): 39 games / 57 goals
• Collingwood (VFL): 14 games / 5 goals
• Swan Districts (WAFL): 32 games / 48 goals
• West Perth (WAFL): 4 games / 8 goals

He also played in five Grand Finals during his career:

• 2002 AFL Preseason Grand Final for Richmond
• 2007 VFL Grand Final for Coburg Tigers
• 2010 WAFL Grand Final for Swan Districts
• 2011 AFL Preseason Grand Final for Collingwood
• 2011 AFL Grand Final for Collingwood

Death

Andrew Krakouer passed away in Perth on 30 March 2025, at the age of 42.