Andrew Krakouer, Former Richmond and Collingwood Player, Dies at 42
The AFL community is grieving the death of former Richmond and Collingwood player Andrew Krakouer, who died at the age of 42.
Krakouer was a fast and skilled forward who played 102 AFL games for Richmond and 35 for Collingwood between 2001 and 2013.
Death Cause
He suffered a fatal heart attack at his family home over the weekend.
A proud Indigenous footballer, Andrew Krakouer was the son of North Melbourne legend Jim Krakouer and the nephew of Phil Krakouer. After his playing career, he remained involved in football, co-hosting AFL.com.au‘s Yokayi Footy and contributing as a commentator for the National Indigenous Radio Service.
A Career With Highs and Challenges
Richmond drafted Krakouer at pick 41 in the 2000 AFL Draft, and he soon developed into a dangerous small forward. In seven years with the Tigers, he kicked 102 goals while demonstrating exceptional goal smarts and inventiveness within the 50.
His stint at Richmond ended in 2007, when he was found guilty of assault in Fremantle and sentenced to 32 months in jail. During his imprisonment, he played for the Wooroloo Prison squad, exhibiting endurance and an unwavering enthusiasm for football.
Upon his release, Krakouer returned to the WAFL in 2010 and delivered a sensational season with Swan Districts. He won the Sandover Medal as the league’s best and fairest and was named best on ground in the Grand Final, earning the Simpson Medal.
His remarkable comeback led to a return to the AFL when Collingwood selected him in the 2010 draft. Krakouer played a crucial role in the Magpies’ 2011 season, kicking 35 goals, including three in the Grand Final loss to Geelong. That same year, he took home the AFL’s Mark of the Year for a spectacular high-flying grab against Adelaide.
Tributes Pour In
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon expressed his condolences: “To lose Andrew at such a young age is a tragedy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates, and the wider Indigenous football community during this difficult time.”
Richmond great Matthew Richardson also paid tribute to his former teammate, remembering Krakouer as both a talented player and an incredible person.
“He always greeted you with a hug and a warm smile,” Richardson said. “He had a great sense of humor and was one of those people who made you feel good just being around him. As a player, he was a natural talent—the best crumbing forward I ever played with.”
Richardson also shared his sympathies with Krakouer’s loved ones: “My heart goes out to his partner Barbara and his four daughters, who he adored.”
Andrew Krakouer’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for the AFL and the broader football community. His legacy as a gifted footballer and proud Indigenous representative of the game will not be forgotten.
