Vale Andrew Krakouer

The Swan Districts Football Club family have lost one of its most prodigious talented players and hero of the 2010 WAFL season, Andrew Krakouer at the young age of 42 years.

Krakouer was from West Australian football talent royalty, the son of Jim and nephew of Phil who both started their careers at Claremont Football Club.

He played 102 AFL games for Richmond between 2001-2007 following his father who played 147 AFL games (134 North Melbourne, 13 St Kilda) and his uncle who played 148 AFL games (141 North Melbourne, 7 Footscray).

Krakouer moved to Swans Districts in 2008 playing 8 games and a further 23 games in 2010, one of the most memorable years in the club’s history.

Krakouer’s 2010 season at Swans proved to be an outstanding year for him. He represented WA, won the prestigious WAFL Sandover Medal, won the Simpson Medal for the best player in the Grand Final, and then won’s the club’s Fairest and Best Swan Medal.

This led to him being drafted by Collingwood where he played a further 35 AFL games including the 2011 losing Grand Final.

Past Swans players and coaches are also feeling the pain.

“The number 3 jumper will forever hold a special place in the heart of every bloke that played with him and every supporter that watched an absolute genius at work. But even more important he was a selfless, humble and an outstanding bloke”, said Tim Geappen.

“Andy was an unbelievable player, widely recognised for his elite skills and sharp football IQ”, said 2010 Swans Premiership Captain John Roberts.

“But beyond that, he was tough, relentless, and had an unmatched work rate.

“More importantly, Kraks was so much more than a great footballer. He was a beautiful human being—caring, warm, and humble.

“He made everyone around him feel valued and loved, and he adored his family and friends deeply. RIP brother.”

The club’s 2010 Premiership coach Brian Dawson underscored Krakouer’s impact as a player and person.

“Andrew’s season in 2010 was outstanding. He won everything he could have, including kicking the winning goal in the Grand Final with less than 30 seconds to play.”

“His game is the best performance by a player ever, and he did it on the biggest WAFL stage when it mattered most.

“Our football memories will always be there, but we should also remember him as a great bloke and devoted family man, who was always keen to help those who were doing it tough.”

Krakouer has come to embody the club’s significant community work helping people be the very best they can.

Krakouer was delisted by Richmond after the 2007 season and spent 32 months in jail.

“Swans supported Andrew when he needed it,” said Swans Chief Executive Jeff Dennis.

“Club Directors and staff were frequent visitors when he was incarcerated and after he was released the club supported him through employment in its community outreach programs.

“2010 proved to be a rebirth year for Andrew opening the door for a second AFL journey, this time with Collingwood where he played 35 games between 2011 to 2013.

“Swans have a proud history helping provide people with a second chance and Andrew was certainly a success story.”

The club will commemorate the loss of Andrew Krakouer with a minute silence prior to the club’s first home game at Steel Blue Oval this Saturday against West Perth. The game commences at 2.30pm.