FORMER Richmond forward Andrew Krakouer has set his sights on a remarkable return to the AFL in 2011, with a standout WAFL season for Swan Districts reigniting his ambition to play at the top level.
Krakouer, who was released from prison last November after serving more than a year behind bars for serious assault, is widely tipped to win this year's Sandover Medal as the WAFL's fairest and best player.
The 27-year-old has averaged more than 25 possessions in his 18 games this season, kicking 32 goals as one of the state competition's most damaging players.
Now, with opportunities almost certain to present at this year's NAB AFL Draft, Krakouer is aiming to add to the 102 AFL games he played with the Tigers between 2001 and 2007.
"As the season's progressed and more people have started to speak about it, he certainly has the desire to get back into that system," Swan Districts football manager Matthew Peach told afl.com.au.
"I think everyone knows from what he's done previously as a player how good he can be at his best, and his performances at WAFL level would probably suggest that's not beyond him still.
"That's probably all we can gauge it on - is he just good enough to play WAFL footy or is he better than that? Certainly his performances would indicate that he is a step above this level."
Krakouer's AFL career appeared all but over when he was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm in December 2006, and he played out the 2007 season before being delisted by Richmond.
The son of former North Melbourne star Jim, who was jailed for 16 years for conspiracy to traffic drugs, and nephew of Phil, trouble away from the game seemed destined to hinder Krakouer's famous football pedigree.
He was found guilty in June 2008 and played football with the Wooroloo Prison team before his application for parole was approved on September 21, 2009.
Peach said returning to Swan Districts this year, as both a player and a full-time development officer, had given Krakouer structure in his life and allowed him to give back to the community.
"I think the opportunity to get back up into the Pilbara and into the country zones has been great for him," Peach said.
"(Former Eagles) Peter Matera and Chris Lewis are both involved in the V Swans program, which is the program that Andrew works in. They've been a pretty good influence for him.
"He's playing good footy and he's in a good place personally. They're the two things that probably will allow him to move back into the AFL system at the end of the day."
Following a string of mature-age success stories in the last two seasons - and the fact that Krakouer is proven at AFL level - it appears only a matter of time before he is given a second chance.
"Clubs have probably kept that side of things pretty close to their chest at the moment, in terms of whether they're looking at him or not," Peach said.
"But the way he goes about his footy and the impact that he can have on games, that would suggest that clubs would have to look at him.
"Whether it's one of the two new clubs that look at him or one of the established clubs, time will tell."
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I think this would impress BB, I think he was a fan of him haha.
Nah, I reckon he would be a great coup for any club, particularly say Brisbane who probably need someone with his flair, because Fev and Browny aren't gonna get an easy mark at everything...
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