Magpies mum on Krakouer comeback

Updated July 20, 2012 18:14:48

Collingwood has hosed down speculation that forwards Andrew Krakouer and Brent Macaffer could soon make returns from serious injuries.

The pair both underwent knee reconstruction operations in February and have recently returned to training.

Krakouer and Macaffer have stepped up their training intensity this week but it is still far from certain they will be fit to rejoin the side this season.

Young goalsneak Alex Fasolo said the duo were well on the way to recovery but questioned speculation they would make shock returns.

"They are back and doing full contact training which is great," Fasolo said.

"We don't really know if they'll get back, we'll see how they go getting through this phase at the moment.

"There will definitely be a cautious approach. Anyone who does an ACL, you would have to take a cautious approach, but we'll see how they go.

"It would be great to have them back before the end of the year but we just don't know at this point."

Collingwood faces Hawthorn, which is without injured spearhead Buddy Franklin, at the MCG on Saturday in what could prove to be a preview of the finals.

Despite the absence of Franklin, Fasolo said the Hawks should never be underestimated.

"They've obviously got a lot of depth so we'll be looking to play our best footy," he said.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, collingwood-3066, vic, australia

First posted July 20, 2012 18:14:48

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Magpies release Krakouer on personal leave

Updated February 10, 2012 18:17:20

Collingwood has granted Andrew Krakouer a four-week leave of absence to deal with personal issues.

"The issues that Andrew is dealing with are of a personal nature, and we will be supporting him in every way possible during this period," Collingwood director of football Geoff Walsh said in a statement.

"Andrew is held in high regard at Collingwood and we look forward to his return to team training in due course."

The Magpies said Krakouer would be given a revised training program during the month away from normal training sessions.

Krakouer had an outstanding first season back in the AFL in 2011 after serving a jail sentence.

The exciting 28-year-old was a livewire in the Collingwood forward line last year, but is now unlikely to be playing a substantial part for the Magpies until well into the season.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, collingwood-3066, vic, australia

First posted February 10, 2012 18:02:42

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Krakouer released by Suns

Updated December 12, 2011 23:17:59

The Gold Coast Suns admit there is virtually no chance of Nathan Krakouer returning to the club after he was released from his contract on compassionate grounds.

The 23-year-old asked for a release from his Suns deal to return home to Western Australia for unspecified personal reasons - a request that was granted on Monday.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Krakouer believed it was in his best interests to move away from AFL as he battles his issues.

Ex-Port Adelaide star Krakouer was one of the Suns' highest-profile signings for their AFL debut year.

But aside from a five-goal haul against Brisbane early in the season, Krakouer struggled for fitness, motivation and on-field impact.

Because Krakouer's departure comes after the AFL primary list lodgement deadline, the Suns will be left with one player less than the 46 allowed for next season.

While it does mean the Suns could trade Krakouer should he ever seek to play with another club, Ashcroft said they had resigned themselves to losing the talented utility and did not expect him to return to football.

"He's pretty firm in his decision," Ashcroft said.

"We have been working with Nathan and supporting him where possible for some time, and while we remained committed to supporting him, Nathan's desire is to step away from football.

"While we are disappointed to lose a player of Nathan's ability, the most important thing is Nathan's well-being."

Krakouer is the second player to seek an out from the Suns in a fortnight.

Teenager Rex Liddy was released by the club after deciding he did not want to play AFL any more.

But the Gold Coast was able to leave Liddy off its list ahead of the lodgement deadline, allowing the Suns a selection in Tuesday's preseason draft to replace him.

Ashcroft said the Suns may consider asking the AFL for permission to place Krakouer on the long-term injury list, allowing them to replace him with one of their rookie-listed players for 2012.

"We submitted a list of 46 to the AFL and now we will only have 45, but having said that we could be able to elevate a rookie and put Nathan on the long-term injury list," Ashcroft said.

"We'd need to ask permission from the AFL to do that of course."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, carrara-4211

First posted December 12, 2011 16:24:49

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Interview: Jim Krakouer

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