WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who has died.

Former AFL player Andrew Krakouer has died aged 42, sparking an outpouring of grief from former teammates and coaches.

The ex-Richmond and Collingwood player died of a suspected heart attack at a family home on Sunday in Perth. He is survived by his partner Barbara and four children.

Krakouer played 102 games for the Tigers and, having turned his life around, returned to play 35 with the Magpies, kicking three goals in the 2011 grand final defeat to Geelong.

He played with Swan Districts for the 2010 WAFL season, winning the Sandover Medal before being named best-on-ground in a premiership victory.

Bouncing back from time in prison, he joined AFL premiers Collingwood ahead of the 2011 campaign to kick 35 goals in 23 games and win Mark of the Year.

He suffered an ACL injury early in 2012 but returned to play three finals, kicking four goals in the qualifying final defeat to Port Adelaide. Krakouer made just eight appearances in 2013 and was delisted at the end of the year.

He re-emerged on the AFL scene with appearances on the Marngrook footy show before becoming a co-host on Yokayi Footy, also commentating games on TV and radio.

Krakouer also wrote a children’s book and hosted key events for the AFL on Brownlow Medal night and during Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.

“Rest in peace Andrew Krakouer. A beautiful man who was loved by all his teammates. Always greeted you with a hug and a smile. Love to Jimmy and Andrew’s daughters and all his family. Very sad day,” long-time Tigers teammate Matthew Richardson said.

Fellow former Richmond teammate and ex-chief executive Brendon Gale said: “So saddened by the tragic and unexpected passing of Andrew Krakouer. Krak was a special talent — but more than that, he was a deeply loved husband, father, son, teammate and friend. My condolences are with the Krakouer family and all who loved him. Rest easy Krak.”

Collingwood and Richmond both mourned the loss on Monday.

“On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, we are shocked at the terrible early loss of Andrew and our thoughts are with his family and many friends within football,” Magpies president Barry Carp said.

“Andrew represented Collingwood in 35 games between 2011-13. Fans will always remember his Mark of the Year at Marvel Stadium and the three goals he kicked in the 2011 grand final against Geelong.

“Andrew played a leadership role at Collingwood, strengthening relationships with First Nations players and contributing to building greater understanding in our game. He sought to assist others where he could and spoke to many school groups about his experiences through football and life.

“Collingwood extends its deepest condolences to his partner Barbara, his children and the wider Krakouer family.”

Krakouer’s former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was in “shock” as he came to terms with the news while live on radio.

“That’s really sad news. That’s tragic, so young at 42,” Buckley said on SEN.

“A really calm, quiet teammate, who was respectful and went about his business. I really enjoyed the years with him, that’s really sad for his family and his mates.”

Buckley celebrated Krakouer’s career, including the 2012 comeback from injury.

“We’d get him in whenever we could,” the Magpies great said.

“He was just a genius. He was just a player who could do the special things. The hanger he took in 2011 (to win Mark of the Year) was elite.

“He just loved the game, found a way to impact and could do things that other players couldn’t do. He was exceptional.”

Krakouer’s father Jim and uncle Phil had starred in the WAFL and at North Melbourne in the 1980s while his cousin Nathan played for Port Adelaide and Gold Coast.

Krakouer cemented himself as a WA football great with his stunning performance in the 2010 WAFL grand final.

He gathered 42 disposals and kicked four goals, the last securing victory for Swan Districts in the last seconds of the match.

“We send our sincere condolences to Andrew’s family and many friends across football,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said.

“To lose him at such an early age is a tragedy, and we hope there can be some peace for his family in this heart-breaking and difficult time.

“To all his past teammates at Richmond, Collingwood, the team at AFL media and all Indigenous players and staff across the industry, our thoughts are with you all.”