AFL great farewelled after shock death
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains the name and images of deceased persons.
Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell AFL great Andrew Krakouer who passed away from heart failure at the age of 42 in Perth last month.
Krakouer played 137 games for the Richmond Tigers and Collingwood Magpies before he retired in 2013.
He began his career with the Tigers in 2001, following in the footsteps of his father Jim Krakouer who played 134 games with North Melbourne and his uncle Phil Krakouer who played 141 games with the Kangaroos.
Krakouer continued playing football in his home state of Western Australia where he returned to play with Swan Districts Football Club in 2010.
He was awarded the Sandover Medal as the best and fairest player in the WAFL then signed with the Magpies a few weeks later.
He was awarded Mark of the Year playing against the Adelaide Crows and played in the AFL Grand Final against Geelong in 2011.
After football Krakouer became a motivational speaker and worked in the media on the Marngrook Footy Show and hosted the Yokayi Footy Show. A memorial service for AFL great Andrew Krakouer was held at the Swan Districts Football Club in Bassendean. NewsWire / Sharon Smith Credit: News Corp Australia
A funeral service conducted by pastor Greg Kelly was held for the former Collingwood star at the Swan Districts Football Club in Bassendean on Tuesday, where Krakouer played in the WAFL.
The service was packed with family and friends as Krakouer's coffin was walked in surrounded by loved ones.
Mourners heard touching tributes from Krakouer's family who reflected on his positive energy, kindness and the unbreakable bond they held.
Former Collingwood teammate Héritier Lumumba paid tribute to Krakouer saying he was an incredible human being who had spirit, loyalty and was grounded. Former Collingwood teammate Héritier Lumumba paid tribute to Krakouer saying he was an incredible human being who had spirit, was loyal and grounded. SBS Credit: SBS
'He moved like he just had rhythm all the time, he always was always on beat, he was graceful and had the ability to move clean under pressure, but it also showed up in how he navigated life as well,' Lumumba said.
'He was loyal to his people and just wanted to do the best and get the most out of himself in life, whether it was in the media, whether in the community, he was a man that met every challenge head on.
'We all know the legendary bloodline that Krakouer came from and you know the brilliance that the family has given to the football world, inspiring so many is something that Andrew carried forward from his uncle and his dad.
'He did things on the field that had never been seen before, and inspired a whole new, different way of playing the game of football.
'He didn't stand in that shadow, he came in, and he added to that legacy, he did things that were just remarkable.
'I know how many people he inspired doing it, but it wasn't just what he did on the field, moreso it was what he did off the field.
'His spirit will live on his work, his impact will continue to inspire people for generations to come.' Yokayi Footy host Megan Waters paid tribute to her co-host. Picture Yokayi Footy. Credit: News Corp Australia
Yokayi Footy Show host Megan Waters paid tribute to her co-host saying Krakouer wore his heart on his sleeve and lived his values loud and proud.
'The way he moved through the world made people feel seen as it was important for him to do what he could uplift our community and lead by example,' she said.
'His story is remarkable, and I am so grateful to have learned from him, who I become moving forward and the values that I carry will be a testament to the mark that he's left.'
Krakouer's Swan Districts Football Club coach Brian Dawson said he was unbelievably good on the biggest stage when it mattered most.
'Despite his magic play, he retained this great humility sharing the glory and ensuring it wasn't always about him, yet he was so much more than a footballer.'
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