He becomes the third consecutive Port Adelaide SANFL player to be taken in the rookie draft by the club in as many years, following Justin Hoskin (2013) and Sam Gray (2014).
Krakouer was originally taken by the Power back in 2006 with pick 39 in the 2006 National Draft along with current players Travis Boak, Paul Stewart, Robbie Gray and Justin Westhoff.
He left the Power to join the Gold Coast Suns for one season in 2011.
Every pick from the 2014 NAB AFL Rookie Draft
From there he played country football for Kambalda in Western Australia’s Goldfields Football League, but sought to resurrect his elite career at the end of 2013 through Port Adelaide’s new Academy structure.
He became one of the first members of the 15-man contract list for the revised Magpies football program at the beginning of 2014.
Throughout last season, Krakouer worked closely with the club’s internal fitness and Aboriginal welfare units to develop both form and fitness and integrate into the culture of the club’s football program.
He played 16 SANFL games in Port Adelaide’s traditional black-and-white jumper in 2014, including the Magpies’ grand final appearance against Norwood in September, and kicked 14 goals for the season.
As part of the club’s Aboriginal engagement program, the 26-year-old participated in as a mentor for a number of initiatives including the Aboriginal AFL Academy and several visits to regional and remote communities.
Senior coach Ken Hinkley said while the club was aware Krakouer would initially be limited by a shoulder operation and thumb injury from an off-season incident, his commitment during 2014 warranted a second tilt at an AFL career.
“We were pleased with the way Nathan turned around his fitness and the commitment he showed to the club on the track and on the field this year,” Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“It’s very rare that you can pick up a player of Nathan’s talent at pick 16 of the rookie draft.
“His talent was evident during the season and he clearly demonstrated the attributes we think are required to make it on an AFL list.
“Being able to get both Nathan and keep a really strong and experienced leader like Tom Logan on our list is a great result for us.”
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Krakouer will continue to work with the club’s Aboriginal programs throughout 2015 as well as continuing his football development with the club.
As a rookie-listed player, he will play his football for the club in the SANFL and will only be available for AFL selection if upgraded to the senior list.
Port Adelaide also re-listed experienced defender Tom Logan as a rookie and formally drafted Johann Wagner.
Sam Gray and Sam Russell have been retained as Power rookies for 2015 while Kane Mitchell has been upgraded to the club’s senior list.
