Krakouer to miss 2012 season
Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer will miss the entire AFL season after it was determined that he needs a knee reconstruction.
The exciting 29-year-old goalsneak was strongly considering LARS surgery, in which a synthetic graft is used to speed up the comeback time from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.That would have given Krakouer, who ruptured his ACL in a VFL practice match on Saturday, the chance to play for the Magpies later this season.
But Collingwood said on Monday, that once specialists determined the extent of the damage a conventional reconstruction was the only option.
"Krakouer will undergo an ACL reconstruction and co-lateral ligament repair surgery," the Magpies said in a statement.
"Because of damage to the lateral ligament and the fact that it needs to be surgically repaired, LARS surgery is not an option."
Krakouer joins fellow Collingwood forward Brent Macaffer, who injured his knee in the opening round of the pre-season competition, as season-long absentees.
It is the latest in a series of career setbacks for Krakouer, whose return to the top level was one of the feelgood stories of last season.
After playing 102 games for Richmond from 2001-07, he served a 16-month jail term for assault.
A hugely successful football comeback with WAFL club Swan Districts in 2010 prompted Collingwood to recruit him.
He provided a string of highlights last season and kicked 35 goals in 23 games for the Magpies, including three goals in the grand final.
Krakouer's injury-shortened VFL appearance on Saturday came two weeks after he was given leave from the club to deal with personal issues.
Collingwood's injury list also includes Alan Didak (adductor), Harry O'Brien (hand), Ben Reid (shoulder) and Ben Johnson (hamstring).
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