Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article contains the name and image of a deceased person.
Vale Andrew Krakouer
1983-2025
Collingwood career: 2011-13
35 Games, 50 Goals
The Collingwood Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of former player Andrew Krakouer.
Krakouer, 42, unfortunately suffered a heart attack over the weekend and Club President Barry Carp said the thoughts of all at Collingwood were with Andrew’s young family.
“On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, we are shocked at the terrible early loss of Andrew and our thoughts are with his family and many friends within football,” Carp said.
“Andrew represented Collingwood in 35 games between 2011-2013. Fans will always remember his Mark of the Year at Marvel Stadium and the three goals he kicked in the 2011 Grand Final against Geelong.
“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.”
The son of North Melbourne great Jimmy, Andrew made a huge impact in his three seasons in a Collingwood jumper, thrilling fans with his sublime skills, extraordinary evasive ability and the capacity to conjure goals out of nowhere.
Krakouer experienced one of the more remarkable journeys in AFL history.
He first appeared in the AFL in 2001, having been recruited to Richmond from South Fremantle. He would go on to play 102 games for the Tigers across seven seasons, kicking 102 goals.
He was released by the Tigers at the end of 2007 and returned to WA, this time playing for Swan Districts.
He had a superb season with Swan Districts in the 2010 season, winning the Sandover Medal (the WAFL’s equivalent to the Brownlow) and the Simpson Medal, as best afield in the Grand Final. His performance in the WAFL Grand Final that year has gone down in football folklore, as he gathered 42 disposals and kicked four goals – including the matchwinner with just seconds remaining.
His fairytale return was completed when Collingwood added him to their Premiership-winning team for the 2011 season. And ‘Krak’ made an immediate impact, playing 23 of the 25 matches that year and kicking a career-high 35 goals (including three early goals in the 2011 Grand Final).
He instantly became a fan-favourite, his agility, ferocious tackling and ability to kick miraculous goals thrilled crowds across the country.
The thoughts of everyone at Collingwood are with Andrew’s family and all his friends from Collingwood, Richmond, Swan Districts, South Fremantle and beyond.
