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Phil Krakouer joins brother Jim in WA football hall of fame

Jarred Cross - September 12, 2023

SPORT

Phil Krakouer during his playing days with North Melbourne. (Image: nmfc.com.au)

Krakouer brothers Jim and Phil hold a special place in footy's history books as two of the most exciting players to chase the Sherrin.

Before the pair arrived at Arden St ahead of the 1982 VFL season with North Melbourne, their careers had already carved out a legacy with the Burley in the West Australian Football League for Claremont.

Their uncanny ability to find one another by hand or foot and elite skills in either strip are still replayed decades on.

Phil joined his brother in the WA Football Hall of Fame at the WAFL's Sandover Medal awards night on Monday.

It was a long car trip, his preference over flying, across the Nullabor to receive the honour.

He told National Indigenous Times good people and good times on the park made the move to Victoria after four years at Claremont an easier transition then leaving home in Mount Barker, 350 kilometres south-east of Perth, to the state's capital in 1978.

The four times he represented his state and 1981 WAFL premiership with the Tigers before heading east remain his most cherished memories from football.

Monday's recognition makes it two Krakouer brothers in the WA Hall of Fame, something Phil said Jim knew would come soon after his own induction in 2021.

"It feels good. I grew up in Western Australia and I looked up to a lot of people that used to play in the league at that particular time. To achieve it (induction), I was quite taken aback.

Despite his status in footy's memory, Krakouer said he felt he "didn't quite get there as a player", but looks back on the years fondly.

"You get to the end and you say, wow, that's it. It's all over. I'm satisfied," Krakouer said.

"I never really looked at it that much. I just really enjoyed my time."

Krakouer made 90 appearances and kicked 192 goals for Claremont, 141 games and 224 goals for North, and played seven games for as many goals in his single season with Footscray.

His highlight reel rivals any of the best, with electric pace and an uncharacteristic, however trademark, two-hand ball drop to his left boot and an average return of close to two goals a game.

He now lives in Melbourne and works with the NDIS.