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Andrew Krakouer’s AFL feelgood story just needs a grand final win to feel even better.
The Collingwood star brings a well-documented but inspiring tale to Saturday’s grand final, having emerged from a jail stint to make the sport’s biggest stage.
Krakouer hopes he has repaid the Magpies for throwing him an AFL lifeline after he spent 16 months in jail for assault.
“The club helped me out, so I like to think that I’ve repaid the faith that they had in me last year,” he said at Friday’s grand final parade through Melbourne’s city centre.
Two years ago during grand final week, Krakouer had just been released on parole.
A superb season in Western Australia for Swan Districts followed in 2010 and his 40-possession, four-goal masterclass in the WAFL grand final win secured him passage back to the AFL after his pre-jail stint with Richmond.
“It’s been a long journey but to come through it all and be a sleep away from a grand final is something very exciting,” Krakouer said.
The 28-year-old is one of four Magpies aiming for their first flag.
Krakouer and defender Chris Tarrant came to the club this season, while first-year player Alex Fasolo will play his 13th AFL game in the premiership decider.
Leon Davis was dropped for the grand final replay last year, after struggling in the initial drawn game.
Krakouer’s father Jimmy – a former VFL star with North Melbourne – was at the grand final parade and will be there watching his son at the MCG on Saturday.
His message has been succinct and simple.
“He’s said go out there and enjoy it, and that’s about it,” Andrew Krakouer said.
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