Watch Krakouer's VFL highlights in the media player above.
It was the key theme touched upon by the duo who spoke to collingwoodfc.com.au in the rooms immediately after Collingwood’s 13-point win over Bendigo in the VFL on Saturday.
“It’s mixed emotions I suppose,” reflected Krakouer.
“Happiness and relief come to mind. There was a bit of uncertainty before the game and luckily we got through unscathed. It’s quite a nice feeling to get through the first game”.
Recap collingwoodfc.com.au's live coverage of Saturday's win.
His teammate Macaffer, five years his junior, echoed Krakouer’s sentiments.
“It’s more relief. I was so nervous this morning and last night. Just to get through is such a relief.
“To get a few kicks as well, myself and Krak, it’s an awesome feeling to be back playing footy.”
Krakouer played mostly in attack and took occasional stints in the midfield where he began to look more settled as the match wore on. He also kicked a goal from a difficult set shot 40m from home in the third quarter that brought the Queen Elizabeth Oval crowd to its feet.
At the other end of the ground, Macaffer quietly accumulated possessions in defence where his no-fuss approach meant he was an important factor in the team’s fourth win of the season.
While the euphoria following their comebacks is justified, Krakouer understands that the journey is far from over.
“I’ve still got a bit of work to go. My touch was a bit off,” he said.
“I would love to play back in the senior side but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet.
“It was awesome to play with Caff. We battled through injuries together, did the hard work and to play the comeback game together was great”.
Alan Didak, Andrew Krakouer and Brent Macaffer all stepped out in the black and white for Collingwood's VFL team on Saturday. Photo: Shane Barrie.
