'He was exceptional': Sport community mourns the passing of an AFL legend
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The Australian Football League community mourns the untimely loss of one of its stars.
His passing left many of the community members—from athletes, coaches, and fans—grieving.
Former AFL athlete Andrew Krakouer has passed away at 42 years old.
Krakouer passed away from a suspected heart attack at his family home in Perth.
He is survived by his partner, Barbara, and four children.
Andrew Krakouer played over 102 games for the Richmond Tigers from 2001 to 2007.
He also played for Swan Districts during the 2010 WAFL season, won the Sandover Medal, and was named the best-on-ground in their premiership victory.
Krakouer's performance in the 2011 grand final has been etched in history, where he kicked three goals against Geelong.
Despite personal setbacks, his AFL comeback with the Collingwood Magpies was nothing short of inspirational.
He kicked 35 goals in 23 games and won the prestigious Mark of the Year award.
Despite suffering an ACL injury in 2012, Krakouer's determination saw him return to play in three finals, including a four-goal performance in the qualifying final against Port Adelaide.
With limited appearances in 2013, Andrew Krakouer was delisted later in the said year.
Yet, he has already cemented his legacy on the field.
Andrew Krakouer continued to contribute to the AFL community even off-field.
He made appearances on the Marngrook footy show, became a co-host for Yokayi Footy, and provided sporty commentary on TV and radio.
He also wrote a children's book and hosted key events for the AFL, including the Brownlow Medal night and Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.
Long-time Richmond teammate Matthew Richardson remembered Krakouer as 'a beautiful man who was loved by all his teammates'.
'Love to Jimmy and Andrew's daughters and all his family. Very sad day,' Richardson shared.
'So saddened by the tragic and unexpected passing of Andrew Krakouer,' Former Richmond teammate and executive Brendon Gale wrote.
'Krak was a special talent—but more than that, he was a deeply loved husband, father, son, teammate and friend.'
'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,' Collingwood Magpies president Barry Carp stated.
'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,' Mr Carp further shared.
Listen to Andrew Krakouer's story in this episode of Inside 50:
Source: TAB/YouTube
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley shared his shock upon Krakouer's 'tragic' passing.
'He was just a genius. He was just a player who could do special things,' Buckley recalled.
'He just loved the game, found a way to impact it, and could do things that other players couldn't do. He was exceptional.'
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon also extended his condolences to Krakouer's family and friends.
'To lose him at such an early age is a tragedy, and we hope there can be some peace for his family in this heart-breaking and difficult time,' Mr Dillon shared.
As we reflect on the life and career of Andrew Krakouer, we are reminded of the impact one individual can have on a sport, a community, and the hearts of many.
We extend our sympathies to the Krakouer family, and may he rest in peace.
His passing left many of the community members—from athletes, coaches, and fans—grieving.
Former AFL athlete Andrew Krakouer has passed away at 42 years old.
Krakouer passed away from a suspected heart attack at his family home in Perth.
He is survived by his partner, Barbara, and four children.
Andrew Krakouer had a stunning 12-year career as a football athlete. Image Credit: Collingwood Football Club
Andrew Krakouer played over 102 games for the Richmond Tigers from 2001 to 2007.
He also played for Swan Districts during the 2010 WAFL season, won the Sandover Medal, and was named the best-on-ground in their premiership victory.
Krakouer's performance in the 2011 grand final has been etched in history, where he kicked three goals against Geelong.
Despite personal setbacks, his AFL comeback with the Collingwood Magpies was nothing short of inspirational.
He kicked 35 goals in 23 games and won the prestigious Mark of the Year award.
Despite suffering an ACL injury in 2012, Krakouer's determination saw him return to play in three finals, including a four-goal performance in the qualifying final against Port Adelaide.
With limited appearances in 2013, Andrew Krakouer was delisted later in the said year.
Yet, he has already cemented his legacy on the field.
Andrew Krakouer continued to contribute to the AFL community even off-field.
He made appearances on the Marngrook footy show, became a co-host for Yokayi Footy, and provided sporty commentary on TV and radio.
He also wrote a children's book and hosted key events for the AFL, including the Brownlow Medal night and Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.
Long-time Richmond teammate Matthew Richardson remembered Krakouer as 'a beautiful man who was loved by all his teammates'.
'Love to Jimmy and Andrew's daughters and all his family. Very sad day,' Richardson shared.
'So saddened by the tragic and unexpected passing of Andrew Krakouer,' Former Richmond teammate and executive Brendon Gale wrote.
'Krak was a special talent—but more than that, he was a deeply loved husband, father, son, teammate and friend.'
'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,' Collingwood Magpies president Barry Carp stated.
'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,' Mr Carp further shared.
Listen to Andrew Krakouer's story in this episode of Inside 50:
Source: TAB/YouTube
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley shared his shock upon Krakouer's 'tragic' passing.
'He was just a genius. He was just a player who could do special things,' Buckley recalled.
'He just loved the game, found a way to impact it, and could do things that other players couldn't do. He was exceptional.'
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon also extended his condolences to Krakouer's family and friends.
'To lose him at such an early age is a tragedy, and we hope there can be some peace for his family in this heart-breaking and difficult time,' Mr Dillon shared.
We extend our sympathies to the Krakouer family, and may he rest in peace.
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RIP.
taken too soon. Condolences to his family 
day and for family members x
