Nathan Krakouer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nathan Krakouer |
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Krakouer playing for Port Adelaide in 2007
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Nathan Rhys Krakouer | ||
| Nickname(s) | Krak | ||
| Date of birth | 5 May 1988 | ||
| Original team | Claremont (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | No. 39, 2006 national draft | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder/defender | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Nathan Krakouer (born 5 May 1988) is a former professional Australian rules football player. He played for the Port Adelaide Football Club and Gold Coast Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Nathan is related to other famous football players. His uncles, Jimmy Krakouer and Phil Krakouer, played for North Melbourne. His cousin, Andrew Krakouer, played for Richmond and Collingwood.
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Early Life and Football Beginnings
Nathan Krakouer started playing junior football in Western Australia. He then moved on to play senior football for the Claremont Football Club when he was still quite young.
In 2006, Nathan was chosen to represent Australia's Indigenous youth team. This team, called the "Flying Boomerangs", toured South Africa. They played against the South African national Australian rules team.
Later in 2006, he was invited to the AFL Draft Camp. This is where young players show their skills to professional teams. Even though he was light, Nathan impressed scouts with his speed and jumping ability.
Nathan Krakouer's AFL Career
Playing for Port Adelaide (2007–2010)
Port Adelaide, an AFL club, chose Nathan in the 2006 AFL Draft. They were surprised and happy to pick him at number 39. At the Draft Camp, Nathan showed amazing speed. His time in the 20-meter sprint was one of the fastest ever recorded.
Nathan wore the number 29 jersey for Port Adelaide. In his first season in 2007, he played 11 games. His coach had thought he might not play for two years, but Nathan proved him wrong. He showed great speed and talent throughout the season.
He helped Port Adelaide win a game against North Melbourne. He was involved in three important goals in just 15 minutes. Nathan was also a key player in other games, showing his skill.
In 2008, Nathan played only three games. He had several muscle injuries. He went back home to Western Australia after a hamstring injury ended his season. There was talk he might join a team closer to home, but he decided to stay with Port Adelaide.
By 2009, Nathan had become stronger and fitter. He started playing in a new position in the backlines. He played very well in this role. He was named in the team for the first game of the season.
The 2010 season was tough for Nathan. He played only seven games because of injuries and not being in his best form.
Moving to Gold Coast (2011)
On 1 September 2010, Nathan signed a three-year contract with the Gold Coast Suns. This was a new team joining the AFL. Port Adelaide was disappointed that he left. They had put a lot of effort into his development.
In December 2011, Nathan left the Gold Coast Suns. He was released from his contract.
Returning to Port Adelaide (2015–2017)
On 31 March, Nathan signed to play for the Port Adelaide Magpies. This was a team linked to the AFL club. He played very well for them. Because of his strong performance, Port Adelaide's AFL team drafted him again as a rookie.
In 2015, Nathan impressed everyone in the pre-season games. He was quickly moved from the rookie list to play for the main AFL team. He played his first AFL game for Port Adelaide since 2010. His accurate kicking and smooth movement were very helpful to the team.
He played 7 games before being moved back to the rookie list. However, he was soon brought back to the senior team. He played another 7 games that season, making a total of 14 games.
After the 2017 season, Nathan Krakouer announced he was retiring from AFL football.
