"ANDREW KRAKOUER A LEGACY FOR RESILIENCE, REDEMPTION, AND HOPE"
The passing of former Collingwood and Richmond player Andrew Krakouer touched the hearts and lives of many throughout his career and life. He left a mark on the AFL community. At 42, he had an incredible story of redemption and extraordinary experiences that inspired many people across Australia. Coming through the highs of his AFL career with Collingwood and Richmond, to the lows of his time spent in prison, despite the challenges, he rebuilt his life, ultimately becoming a beacon of hope for the Aboriginal Australian community, though Krakouer faced adversity head-on. He was a prominent advocate for indigenous issues. Emma Garlett once stated,” Andrew showed us the power of resilience and how you can always rise again, no matter the hardship.”
Although Krakouer had achieved sporting success, he was also committed to creating opportunities for others, which became an integral part of his legacy. After being released from prison, Andrew leveraged his platform to the advantage of the Aboriginal community, helping them chase their dreams and push through boundaries once thought to be impossible. Krakouer’s story of refusing to let his past define him and his redemption is deeply connected to multiple individuals, particularly those of Aboriginal descent. Emma Garlett remarked, “He didn't just break through barriers himself; he opened the door for others to follow in his footsteps.” Reflecting on Krakouer, he helped change the lives of many young people in similar situations.
He helped shape perspectives in conversations about Aboriginal identities in Australia through his previous roles in the media world, after he retired from football, by bringing indigenous voices to light in mainstream discourse, which exposed people to the genuine struggles and triumphs of being Indigenous, reaching beyond football fields and media screens, it was also felt in the heart of many that saw the strength he had and the courage in his heart."His life wasn’t just about what he did with a football," Garlett said. It was about what he did with the second chance he was given, and how he ensured others had the same opportunity.
The contributions included creating a children’s book titled My Dad's Gone Away. Which captured children's experiences with a parent in prison, a subject dear and close to his heart, even though he's in the dreaming, the work and many public statements highlighting the strength, love and courage of Andrew’s character and to make the world a better place for the next generation’s, Emma beautifully stated, "Andrew Krakouer’s story will live on as a reminder that we can all overcome, no matter where we start."
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