ANDREW KRAKOUER STATEMENT

THE West Perth Football Club has been advised that Andrew Krakouer will not be playing in the WAFL for the Falcons in 2014 because of an employment opportunity in the mining industry.

On the back of his AFL career of 137 matches with Richmond and Collingwood coming to an end following the 2013 season, Krakouer signed with the reigning WAFL premiers West Perth.

However, the 30-year-old has since been offered, and accepted, a lucrative employment opportunity in the mining industry.

This new job will mean that Krakouer will have limited time in Perth throughout 2014 making it impossible for him to devote the time and effort necessary to train and play at WAFL level.

The former Richmond and Collingwood AFL star, and Sandover and Simpson Medallist, and premiership hero at Swan Districts in 2010 wishes to make it clear that this was purely a career choice.

Krakouer noted that everyone associated with the West Perth Football Club had gone above and beyond in their efforts since signing with the club upon returning to Perth, to make the transition back from Melbourne to Western Australia as seamless as possible.

"While the club is disappointed we won’t get to see Andrew running around in a red and blue jumper this season, we wish he and his family all the best in the next stage of their lives," West Perth Football Club President Brett Raponi said.

Krakouer's manager Matthew Gray conveyed Krakouer's decision that was one of the hardest he has had to make in his life.

"This is not a decision Andrew has made lightly. Andrew reached his decision having spent the past few days weighing up all options. Andrew's decision is based on career opportunities," Gray said.

"These opportunities require Andrew to spend extended periods away from Perth, meaning Andrew would not be able to commit to the requirements of playing football in the WAFL. Andrew had been looking forward to returning to the WAFL with West Perth in 2014."