Tributes have flowed for Andrew Krakouer following the former AFL player and media personality's death at the weekend, aged 42.

On Monday morning, reports broke that Krakouer had died suddenly of a suspected heart attack in Perth on Sunday.

Krakouer played 137 AFL games, first as Tiger and later across three seasons with Collingwood before becoming a leading figure in Indigenous coverage of the game with NITV's Marngrook Footy Show and later as co-host of Yokai Footy.

Son of Indigenous team of the century member, WAFL and North Melbourne great Jim Krakouer, Krakouer is being remembered as a "beautiful man who was loved by all his teammates" by those he ran out with across his career.

Arriving at Richmond via the 2000 national draft, Krakouer made 102 appearances at a goal a game with the Tigers between 2001-2007.

"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," Richmond teammate and former club chief executive, Brendon Gale wrote on social media Monday morning.

Forward line peer Matthew Richardson wrote: "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," he wrote.

Via a club statement, Richardson added Krakouer was "the best crumbing forward I played with" and a talented mark at the top level.

"When he was on song, he was unbeatable," Richardson said.

The Tigers expressed their sadness at the news on Monday.

Krakouer has also been championed for a life led by resilience.

After sentencing interrupted his career, a revitalising stint with WAFL side Swan Districts set up an inspirational return to the top level with the Magpies.

In 2010, Krakouer took home the Sandover Medal as the state competition's best and fairest, capped off with a best on ground 40-touch, four goal performance in Swans' grand final success over Claremont - his dad's former club.

It set up his best return at AFL level, booting 35 goals from 23 games - incl three majors in an unsuccessful grand final appearance, with Collingwood across the 2011 season.

Krakouer also won mark of the year for an all-time hanger over the pack against Adelaide during that year.

On hearing the news, Pies teammate Nathan Buckley told SEN "Jeez, he went through a bit in his life…he showed real grit to fight back and do what he did in his career."

"He made the most of his opportunities," Buckley said.

"What a brilliant footballer".

Buckley added Krakouer "was a genius…a player that could do the special things".

Krakouer later worked as an Indigenous engagement lead in the construction industry, and co-hosted Yokayi Footy.

Last year, Krakouer told National Indigenous Times he hoped his children's book canvassing parent incarceration would have a "positive impact and help others through their journey".

Krakouer kicked 50 goals across 35 appearances for Collingwood between 2011-2013.

"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," Magpies president Barry Carp said on Monday.

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

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon also paid tribute to Krakouer.

"We send our sincere condolences to Andrew's family and many friends across football," 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."