FORMER Collingwood and Richmond player Andrew Krakouer has decided to walk away from high-level football after a work opportunity will prevent him from playing in the WAFL for West Perth in 2014.
After playing 137 matches in two stints at AFL level, Krakouer had signed to play with reigning WAFL premier West Perth this season.
But an employment opportunity in the mining industry was offered to the 30-year-old and he decided to accept. The job will not allow him sufficient time in Perth to train and play with the Falcons.
Krakouer had previously had great success in the WAFL with Swan Districts upon his return to football in 2010 after serving a 16-month jail term for assault.
He won both the Sandover Medal and the Simpson Medal, as best afield in the Grand Final, in the Swans' premiership win that season.
Krakouer played 102 matches and kicked 102 goals with Richmond between 2001 and 2007. After his extraordinary comeback with Swan Districts, Collingwood drafted him at the end of 2010. He played 35 matches with the Magpies and kicked 50 goals in a three-season stint that was interrupted by a knee reconstruction.
