« See all local news

Krakouer let out to lead prison team

26/May/2009

By Chris Leitch

Comments: 85 readers have left a comment

Wooroloo's Andrew Krakouer tackles Jandakot's Shane Boyd. Picture: Marie Nirme Wooroloo's Andrew Krakouer tackles Jandakot's Shane Boyd. Picture: Marie Nirme

JAILED Richmond footballer Andrew Krakouer is let outside the razor wire as part of a Wooroloo prison team that is so good its average winning margin is 151 points - and it is all in the name of rehabilitation.

Krakouer, who played 102 games for the Tigers before being jailed for a minimum 16 months last year for a brutal assault outside a Fremantle nightclub in 2006, is proving to be the star of the team of inmates that is undefeated in the suburban Mercantile Football League.

The Wooroloo Bombers are so good, in fact, they are yet to score less than 151 points in a single game.

Prison recreation officer Dave Brown said there were several players who would “walk into WAFL football, they are that good”.

The Bombers is one of several prison sporting teams allowed out on weekends to compete in local competitions.

Inmates must satisfy stringent security checks and display exemplary behaviour before they can be considered to play football, basketball or soccer outside the prison gates.

Mr Brown said community sports competitions were playing a key role in rehabilitating criminals at the minimum-security prison.

Wooroloo holds about 270 inmates and about 40 players are registered with the football team.

Mr Brown said players knew they were under more scrutiny than anyone.

“Any prisoner at Wooroloo is eligible to play in the football side, but it comes down to their commitment and discipline,” Mr Brown said.

“If someone misbehaves in their workplace or in the community, they don’t get the opportunity to go out.”

All sports teams operated under a charter that spells out the conditions under which they are released to play.

Security guards supervise matches and no inmate had escaped while playing sport.

The prison team has its own form of discipline and a tribunal.

Prisoners take their football seriously, if their training regime and recent results are any indication.

“They must train three nights a week, and when I say train, they probably train harder than any community side that I’ve ever seen,” Mr Brown said.

“If they can show that same discipline and commitment when they get out, they will go a long way in the community.”

What Do You Think?

What everyone else is thinking

margaret

17/09/2009

I have two sons who play in the Worooloo Bombers, and I have to say they have earned the right to be there. They have been in Hakea Remand, Casuarina, Acacia they did the hard yakka, it is still hard yakka for them both. They have to work out in the Community during the week to pay back to Society the wrong they have done. They have proven they can be trusted and they are model prisoners. They are not the ony ones, Worooloo is full of model prisoners, that is why they are all in minimum security.
Wake up all you ignorant people, and see it for what it really is, rehabilitation and the chance to turn the lives around when they do re-enter society.
What some of you people do not realise is that some of the prisoners go to Worooloo for driving offences, they haven't killed anyone but they have decided to do time to pay of many of their fines because they haven;t got the amount of money needed to keep them out of jail. HOw many of you could end up in the same situation?

Bruther from a nutha mutha

14/09/2009

make us proud Kraka....its not like he is the only one who has ever done any thing wrong or been to jail, and there are always two sides to every story............

Siggy

08/07/2009

I think it is important to introduce the prisoners back into the community and sport is an excellent way to do so. Sport is a universal language and is played and enjoyed by most members of our community.
Sport has proven to be a positive method of channelling the excess energy of young members of our community, and in a similar manner it can benefit prisoners.

Billy Bob

17/06/2009

The amount of positive spin been heaped upon this prison side is sickening, obviously the word has been passed down from those above to make out this is a good thing and once again we have the do-gooders who in reality wouldn't even have a damn job if any real punishment was actually dispensed out to these law breakers, Krakour has not been punished in any way, shape or form, football is the last thing this thug should be doing, thats right THUG! I dont really care how good he was or who he played for. As for Guy Hall Murdoch lecturer of criminal studies I suggest you get your head out of where the sun doesn't shine and think about those who seem to have been entirely forgotten in this story the actual victims of these criminals. What a load of codswallop his view was, sitting in some office pontificating such rubbish is so very easy and he gets paid for it which is bizarre in itself....wakeup and take a look at the real world!

crystal

08/06/2009

These people are apparently soon to be released back into society, isnt it better they get the opportunity to learn how to behave when released by mixing with society this way..than just plonking them out on the streets and pretending they dont exist.

It amazes me what a hateful society we seem to have.

Glenys

04/06/2009

we enjoyed the football game that was played against Noranda, and a bit disappointed they didn't have a 2nd team as our son was to play in the b grade match. We were there for all their game and after they finished, it was heart wrenching to see them saying good bye to their families but it was pleasing to see them have an interactive day with them as well. The only disappointment was the comments yelled out to prison players by their own crowd that were intimidating to the other side.

Michael

04/06/2009

Justin, to quote your 27/5/09 post "" I arrested half you monkeys"". You want to check your facts mate, I was standing next to the player your referring too. That didnt happen.

As far as the game is concerned. All I saw was a Wooraloo team which clearly have the time on their hands to practice their skills, as they arent suited to the division they are playing in. Far, far above it - to be honest. I also saw a small number of instances where players from both sides got mouthy, and some players from Wooraloo 'seemed' to be able to intemidate decisions from umpires.

The fact remains. This is a media blowup. Yes there were 4 injuries. I was one of them. One was due to the poor ground conditions. 2 were concussions in play. The other I wasnt aware of, but lead to one of ours needing stitches. I wont comment on it, coz I dont know what happened. As for the targetting of a cop. That did happen, but for minutes at best ...

Jefferry

03/06/2009

Wooroloo use to play in our comp a couple seasons ago and from what i saw were a fair and skill ful team. i believe the only reason they were kicked out was because Mundaring and Gidgey felt threatend of the prisoners football ability because we never had any problems with them! Wooroloo is minimum security and should be able to play for that reason aslong as they abide by prison and football rules! As for Krakouer well he is a hi profile player and the courts were probly making an example of him by giving him 5years, ppl dnt get jailed for punching coppers even after they bought in that instant jail time law! But he's doing his time just like his fellow prisoners are and if footballs helpn them get bak on track then you cnt be grudge them for that!

Krakouer's Game!

02/06/2009

Andrew made a mistake & is paying his debt to society he has missed out on 16 months of his daughters lives. If it was anyone else honestly the case would'nt even of made it to trial! 5 YEARS for assault! GET REAL! Krakouer deserves a second chance & it would be un-australian not to give that. Give him a break!

shaz

02/06/2009

Lyn Blasgund my husband and I were at the game against wooroloo and jandakot my son played he had no problem playing against them I do not agree with pulling them out because others are scared to play them if the other sides forfeit then there loss what are they scared of loosing

Adam

01/06/2009

I think u should all take a look at your own teams first, alot of you seem more peeved at the fact u got your butts handed to u by 'low life crims', i personally know a guy on the team, and he puts his heart and soul into the 4 hours a week he is let out to have a kick of the pill, im not debating that wat the boys did to be in there wasnt right, but come on people!!! GET REAL!!!!! these boys are under stringent rules outside of the set rules of the game, maybe if ur players spent more effort playing the game, and less time crying about the fact you lost your game this issue wouldnt have blown up so much!!! if the bombers were getting there arses kicked would it be such a big issue??? ive seen all but two games, there was one game in particular that a player on the other team was injured, but that was all on ball contact, no more physical then in an AFL game. Maybe, like was mentioned earlier, if u got an issue with it, come down and meet the boys instead of just bagging them out!!!!!

Barney Rumble

30/05/2009

Who's #14 for that mob? the crap he sprays on the field and his manner highlighted perfectly why this side should not be out on the field, the big mouth little brain syndrome is alive and well..boycott all their games, no opposition, no game! LOL

bluedino1977

28/05/2009

Sorry to dissapoint you LUKE but most of them would be out on day release instead anyway and their not in CELLS as you call them it's MINIMUM security you half wit.

Mac

28/05/2009

It is becoming infuriating for all concerned to be pointed out as sore losers. The teams and individuals playing against Wooroloo - myself included - love nothing more than a good, hard and FAIR game of football. Some of the incidents that have occured, which i have witnessed firsthand are not only unbecoming to the game of football, but detrimental to human nature. I've heard plenty of vulgar and offensive threats and comments while playing football before, but nothing of this calibre. They are disgusting.
Wooroloo should not be playing in this league, until stricter internal controls are developed to weed out the individuals who are there to play football, and those who are there simply to out their frustration and inflict pain on opposition players.
Umpires who are not actually scared to stand up to the prisoners should also be selected. At present the umpires are being "matey" towards the Wooroloo players, so much so that they are discouraging themselves to blow their

Mr Taxpayer

28/05/2009

''The prison system in this country is all about providing education, rehabilitation''

What a load of rubbish!!! the prison system SHOULD be about making these LAWBREAKERS pay for their bloody crimes, the bleeding heart brigade until something actually happens to them have no clue about what victims go through and as for family members of these CRIMS, and that's what they are! who try to say they are all reformed and goody two shoes now ..get real! your kid, husband, de-facto and boyfriends broke the bloody law and are there for a reason. They are not there for a holiday at my expense.

John

28/05/2009

Worooloo is a minimum security prison and therefore are their because they are not seen as a threat to the outside. The men who play earn the right, as it is a great incentive to keep moving forward. It is also a great way of transitioning people back into society. Yes people. Like you and me. Prison is not only about retribution but also about rehabilitation. Surely for those who are try to change this sought of incentive and initial transition is beneficial not only for them and their families, but for all society. Or are we wanting to return to the old days where we treat people like dogs. A great society is not measured only buy how it treats its healthy, wealthy and wise, but how it reaches out to its poor, broken and undeserving.

Luke

28/05/2009

I recommend every team in the comp simply forfeit their games against Wooroloo that way they stay home in their cells and every teams percentages is better off anyway.

tomc

28/05/2009

what amazes me reading these comments is the ignorance that pervades. The prison system in this country is all about providing education, rehabilitation and opportunity to those who want it.
To all those who think prisoners playing footy is wrong get a life.
To those footballers who felt physically intimidated playing against them, grow a backbone. Perhaps it was the indignity of having your lack of ability shown up that hurts most.
I speak from first hand experience in stating that the average crim is substantially more honourable than a bad copper.
The difference between a convicted criminal and most of society - they got caught - simple as that.

Aaron

28/05/2009

All you people that are whinging, do you realise that this has been happening for the last 25 years and there has not been any publicity until now. The crims have been going out helping clean the communtity and also playing sports for that long there has never been one escape or actual voilence ( only some push and shove that occurs every weekend in footy). And JOHN BETTI ( i know your not the real one cause i know where you live atm) i fully argree with you about the reporters getting there facts right.

Mac

28/05/2009

Teams and individuals that have mentioned the rough conduct of SOME of the Wooroloo players are not "whinging" we are getting beaten by 150+ points during the game, we have experienced margins equal to or greater than this before, and we will definitely experience them in the future so they are not being sore losers. The opposition players are also not claiming that the prisoners do not have the right to play football.
Everyone is simply concerned about their own health, and the health of other players. Incidents WILL occur at the current rate that will be totally out of hand, then we'll see what the wash-up from this whole situation is.

John Betti

27/05/2009

John Betti
27/5/09
People should make sure all the facts are correct before submitting statements to the media that are not quite true.
I have personally viewed the games and in most instantances it is quite the opposite , they are a finely tuned machine that play hard but fair .
For those players that have maded lured statements of these characters , just reflect upon some of the statements you have made .
For those that cant handle defeat / player , friend or family maybe you should stay at home .
I suggest the association and the media should view these games and gauge for themselves instead of all the innuendo .
As for Krakouer he is a talented footballer that displayes no violence on the field , a true champion.
And as for thoses incarcerated , we all have made mistakes in the past
some not so fortunate they got caught, you will inevitablly have a loved one incarcerated one day dont be so quick to judge people on their mistakes .

Cuz

27/05/2009

Finally the public get to see how the prison system makes life easy for Criminals...

dude

27/05/2009

You guys all need to grow up, seriously i've been to these games a few times and you never see the prisoners threatening the other team members. As a matter of fact a few of the times you see the other teams throwing punches and starting fights with the prisoners.

Sounds to me like people are just upset because these boys are to good and win every game by 150 odd points. Instead of making excuses for loosing to them you guys need to get of your A**es and start training alot harder.

Michael

27/05/2009

Criminals sentanced to jail not free to play football games. If they dont want to sacrifice the things they love like footy, family, friends then dont do the crime...Whats there excuse for belting some one or holding them up at gun point. Who cares if they just about to be released the whole point of a jail sentence is for them to remain in jail for the whole time. If they want rehab then they have work programs, education programs, gym /excerise equipment at no cost more then the average person has.

Well if i was involved in a MFA club then i would ensure they would have no one to play against and encourage all MFA teams to forfiet in protest against it.

Then it will be a make a mockery of the association who will be forced to make changes.

Coolade

27/05/2009

Tyson mate whats your excuse for one of these blokes abusing a young kid doing the boundry umpiring, you give respect when it's earned and as can be clearly seen, the Wooroloo country club deserves no whatsoever..stop the bloody excuses!

peterk

27/05/2009

eg Ben Cousins A drug addict affiliated with known criminals.

Justin mate! Cousins has never been convicted of anything thats the difference, these blokes have! and as such this Sunday jaunt should end they'd be put to a better use cleaning the Highways and freeways of rubbish and graffiti if they want to help the community.

Krakup

27/05/2009

eat some concrete - that sounds like a real name!!!

no no but seriously a good hard game of footy is all well and good.
being threatened off the ball is not

taboulehfatoosh

27/05/2009

seriosuly, gggggggggggeeeeeeeettttttt over ittttttt! go freo :)

Just a mum

27/05/2009

Tony
My son would dearly love to be working away and earning a living and I would love to be saying good bye to him under those circumstances. But he did something wrong and now is serving his time.
I just pray that you will never find yourselves in the same situation. I know that I never thought this was what our furuture held for us but we are trying to make the best of what beens given to us.
I worked for a WAFL team and injury and football are par for the course. Do you not think there have been injuries to the Wooroloo team too?
These guys all work in various jobs around the prison contrary to what many of you seem to think, they dont just train in the gym, and watch TV.
They EARN right to play and it is taken away from them the minute they don't tow the line.
Perhaps you folk who seem so threatented by the "prisoners" would like to come and spend some time with us before and after the game, meet some of the lads and us and realise we are no different to you.

Justin

27/05/2009

Im the father of one these boys at Wooroloo, and I would like to point out a few facts. The Jandakot game played at Murdoch oval on Mothers Day for example, an off duty police officer playing for Jandakot antagonising players from Wooroloo saying " I arrested half you monkeys". Now you tell me if that is politically correct? Not to mention discriminating. Yes they are paying for their crimes, all for different reasons. But lets look at some of the more prominent AFL players ...e.g. Ben Cousins. A drug addict affiliated with known criminals. Yet we still embrace him back into the game like he is a 'GOD', many AFL players have probably done similiar things to these inmates, yet the difference is they haven't been caught yet. I love watching my son play and this is a huge part of his rehabilitation. He shows real talent. As for the Noranda game... come on people, we all know the pushing, shoving and threats isn't one-sided. Everyone deserves a second chance

Dawn

27/05/2009

how could dee have heard everything that was said by the prison team to the jandakot jets, you must be an amazing spectator to hear all that was said around the ground, for a team to get so many serious injuries it shows it was not all fair play, and I think the players concerned know what was said to them.

When people go to jail, it is for doing the wrong thing, they are set their time and then released, I dont think that playing football, should be anywhere else except inside the prison until they are released. You must wonder why they never score under 150 a game, no team wants to come up against them if what happened to the jets is going to happen to them.

BillyBob

27/05/2009

Let me get this straight! Wooroloo train 3 times a week and more than likely hit the gym (thanks tax payers) get fed 3-4 times a day and the rest of the time lounge around and watch TV (thankyou Mr Taxpayer) and then get released early Sunday morning to lounge in the sun for a few hours before their game and then leave at around 6.45pm to get back to the Hotel Wooroloo. What chance do any other sides have against that? I hazard a guess most other clubs train twice a week, don't have a proper gym and don't have the luxury of sitting on their backsides because they are out WORKING to make a living and paying their taxes to fund this side that clearly is a detriment to what community football is all about. As for those who choose to defend them thats understandable after all its a good day out a time to catch up and chew the fat under a Sunday sun at every taxpayers expense.

Blakesbuns

27/05/2009

So Andrew Krakour bashes someone is found guilty and is incarcerated and yet is allowed to play something he loves, thats not a punishment! its a reward his right to play football was lost when he assaulted the victim and as for the community football commision and MFA allowing this side to participate clearly shows someone was asleep at the wheel as is whoever is running the prison system.

kim

27/05/2009

well bluedingo1977, so i take it you've been a victom of such crimes as sleeping and waking to a man inside your house robbing you while your children sleep in the room next to you? Hhhmmm i don't understand hey whatever. These so called people chose to commit the crime they should do the time. It's horrifying to know that they are out of jail every week to play football.

tony

26/05/2009

'just a mum im sorry' to hear about your situation with your son, i too have to say goodbye and live away from my family which breaks my heart but that is where the similarities stop. im working 14 days straight doing 12 hour days up north to make an honest living and putting food on the table, not out breaking the law. i dont sit around during the week training for footy, working out in the gym and having a kick of the footy with my mates on weekends then see my family.
how about they start actually contributing to society by planting trees or picking up rubbish around the place, then i would say they deserve half a day off with their loved ones. having a kick at tax payers expense does not seem fair to hard working families like mine who do the right thing. dont forget they are not the victims in this.

BLUEDINO1977

26/05/2009

I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY UNLESS YOU ARE A FAMILY OR FRIEND OF ONE OF THESE PLAYERS AND KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE GO THROUGH YOU HAVE NO IDEA........

Bogan of Ashfield

26/05/2009

I've been inside and this a good thing it has been happening for years.

Bob

26/05/2009

It is a credit to the Woorooloo team and their ability to play football. I think what most people are upset about is how things have changed in one season. From a few prisoners in a local team to a "full on" prison team in one season.
I saw the game at Noranda, both field umpires at one end and at the other end players pushing each other very agressively. Who was the goal umpire, a Woorooloo person, was he a prisoner too? Who was running the water stirring up players, a Woorooloo person, was he a prisoner too? If an incident was to occur who would stop these criminals, they have proven that they can't control themselves, that is why they are in jail. The threat that their sentence will be extended if they step out of line is hollow, before they went to prison they new if they do the wrong thing they will end up in jail, they chose to ignore that, they resent authority. They should not be allowed the freedom they are currently experiencing

Eat some concrete

26/05/2009

Hey KRAKUP and HARRY, if you are abit acared to play against the boys I suggest you take up netball or maybe even lawn bowls.
These guys are just out there trying to have a kick of the footy. You guys have to pull your head in cause if they knew who you actually were and you didnt put made up names on here then you would really start S#####G your pants.

steve

26/05/2009

my wifes son ,my stepson plays for the bombers i go along and watch every game not only watch but volunteer my time to act as a sports trainer for them,we also have donated $300 dollars worth of sports tape to them, and we have purchased my stepsons football boots. there aremany other families and friends who contribute to the needs of the wooroloo football club, contrary to your beliefs it is not entirely funded by the taxpayer. where do you people get off, i have personally witnessed the benefits these excursions have achieved in my stepson.step back and take a long hard look at yourselves if possible even put yourselves in ours or their boots because unless your there you will never ever know. i have been a trainer for a wafl club and these boys are no different to them except that they realize that they walk a fine line every day they get out to play.

Margaret

26/05/2009

I am sorry, even though I believe in parole, this is not parole. They are supposed to be serving a sentence for breaking the law.How come somebody who is convicted of a brutal bashing is in a minimum security prison anyway. It is this sort of thing that makes us prisoners in our own homes because you do not know who is going to come knocking on your door and I do not wonder that when I do door knocking for charity as I will be doing soon(up till the 14/6 I can collect door to door for the Salvos)that a lot of people will not answer the door and I do not blame them .If you do the crime you do the time and getting out and playing sport is not punishment and I must agree with other writers -what sort of message is this sending to young kids watching the game? certainly not anything about punishment.Sorry if they want to play footy play against a team from Causarina or would they be too tough.?

bruno from melbourne

26/05/2009

well done KRAKOUER brother... hope all is well! keep up the good work!

Just a Mum

26/05/2009

Certainly sounds like your all peeved that the Wooroloo Bombers are having such a good season. I wonder if there would be such a storm if they lost every week?
These lads have all committed a crime, but all deserve the right to rehabilitiation.
These guys are MINIMUM security prisioners, can you imagine how hard it is for them to come out, play the game, spend some precious time with family then watch family leave and they go back to the jail. Where is empathy for others? Put yourself in the same situation.Yes to you all jail looks so good, its not the physical stuff thats hard for these guys, its the emotional stuff, missing family, kids, mates the very things that many of us take for granted, thats the punishment. These guys who play footy have to earnt the right to do so, its what they focus their week on and should be encouraged.
Take a leaf out of their book,train hard and play hard, footy is a tough game, if you can't handle it then don't play. Go BOMBERS!!!

Elvis

26/05/2009

This is not jealousy as we have been beaten by other teams convincingly but the game was overall played in very good spirit. I have played against Wooroloo this year and have had my arms held back while another Wooroloo player hit me in the head. This is not hard football rather a gutless gang mentality act which i do not appreciate and feel this needs to be looked at as i thought this might have been a one off bad game for them but it seems from the comments it happens on a regular basis. This coupled with the threats is not an enjoyable game of football for me and my teammates and do not want to experience this again. I am a local footballer who just wants too play football and not have to worry about this rubbish...

Jason Lewis/Mercantile coach for Kingsway

26/05/2009

Sounds a lot like jealousy to me. We should learn from them and try to be more disciplined ourselves e.g. training, team discipline. Instead of trying to get them out of the competition for being too good we should strive to be as good as them. I found them to be very hard but very fair when going for the ball. And let's face it a win is a win even if you win by one point or by 150 points or if you loose by 1 point or by 150 points. As long as you do your best on the day and give 100% that's all that matters.

Ian

26/05/2009

So much for punishment!! This practice makes a mockery of our judicial system (which is already under scrutiny for its lax sentences).
If you're sent to jail, that's where you should stay. Not enjoying the benefits of freedom like a law biding citizen!

Joyce

26/05/2009

What were they put in prison for???? To be punished for a crime they committed right??? So i don't get why there allowed out on a weekly basis to play football.... seriously is that punishment? I was at one of these games not long ago and what got me wasn't just the violence of how they played but after the game they set up camp on the oval with a bbq all there family and friends and one prison guard.... So they get to interact with family and friend and be unsupervised at the time. I always wondered how they got the drugs into our prison systems.... now i'm beginning to seeing how!!! This is a joke and shouldn't be allowed!!

cozza

26/05/2009

Second chances!!! Many of these men are not first timers in jail thus they already had a second chance...As for Andrew being a talented footballer that was never in dispute however he brutally bashed a man along with his brother therefore he needs to serve his time for the crime. The court has already shortened his sentence due to "Truth in sentencing" isn't that a bonus!!!! The system is broken and civil rights do belong to all but you must realise when you commit crime your civil rights have to dimish to shelter from the elements, food and water to sustain good health and classes to reeducate and stimulate mind. That is all their rights should be.

Emeritus Professor

26/05/2009

Is it any wonder most prisoners reoffend when released, when the conditions in jail are better than outside.
Prisoners should be punished for committing their crimes, not rewarded with air conditioned accommodation, three free meals each day, free clothes, computers, body building equipment (makes them even tougher than before they went to jail) etc.
Whilst in jail they do not have to worry about rent increases, job losses, speeding fines etc.
Now they can travel about the countryside playing football and enjoy themselves, whilst their victims continue to suffer.
No wonder our crime rate is the highest in Australia, but the Politicians don't care.

Valda McGillivray

26/05/2009

play sport by all means, but inside the prison not on the outside.

Krakup

26/05/2009

Everyone here that is saying grow up and let them play ect. you are absolutely pathetic.
Why dont you actually get on the field and witness first hand what it is like to play against a team that is out there to inflict as much damage as possible.
I guarantee not one person who has to play against this team wants them there. Myself and many of my team mates have been threatened by players and their fans. Its an absolute joke. The umpires are to scared to rule the game properly in fear of being bashed & threatened.

This program gives the prisoners something to look forward to. But the people who have to play them, something to dread. I think we should be putting the safety of law abiding citizens way before prisoners having a game of footy.
If they want to play, have a game against other prisons. So they can break each others arms and legs and knock each other out instead of us. The people that deserve a threat free game of footy.
GET THEM OUT OF THE LEAGUE. THEY DONT BELONG

Rod O'Riley

26/05/2009

Good story and very beneficial for giving people a second chance and teaching them the need to follow discipline and structure. Worked as a sports coordinator for a prison farm in SA many years ago and know first hand the benefits to all concerned.

greg

26/05/2009

now i'm all for giving everyone a second chance in life as we all make mistakes. However i feel that allowing these inmates to play in a weekly football competition is far excessive than giving them a second chance. They should be made to help the community more rather than play football. Its a joke if you ask me.

fe

26/05/2009

When i lived in broome a boy used to come 'camp' out at my place and hang out with my boys. he was an awesome footy player. i'd drag him along to footy with my boys on the weekends and I tell you what, that kid could play. one day he came around in some new shoes, i asked him if his mum bought them for him and he told me she got him to steal them cause she didn't have any money. he stopped coming around a few months later and i saw him hanging round town with some older kids. we left town but a few years later we met up in perth. he's been in and out of trouble with the law, mainly for stealing. my boys and i visited him one day and i took them over the park to kick the footy. that boy was still an awesome footy player and i think he enjoyed himself that day. Sport is crucial for some people, you don't know their stories, give them a chance.

Peter

26/05/2009

What a joke... letting prisoners out to play footy!
Maybe we should give them a few free beers after the game and then off to Langtrees for a bit of stress relief.

What a waste of TAXPAYERS money!!

They'd be better put to use on a chain gang if they require some exercise.

Atti

26/05/2009

I am rather shocked with most of these comments! Everyone deserves a chance! I am sure harden crims do not go out to play!
I thought a part of being in prison was to rehabilitate the prisoners too. If these guys are too good for this level put them up a level. If they deliberately injure someone they do not go out again? I do agree with Sam a little, but what incentive would that give the guys to improve? Ed I think that when prisoners are being prepared to be released back into the world they do community work. I wouldn't want a "fresh" Crim out on the streets!! Fleur we need to try and get these guys to feel better about themselves, teach them they do not need drugs, that they can be better than that, I am sure most of these crimes happen when they are under the influence or are desperate for money to get drugs. I am not defending these guys, a lot of them do not know any any difference, they grew up thinking these thing were ok, we need to help them break the cycle!

Mister E

26/05/2009

How about they get taken down to the Fremantle yacht club for some twilight sailing? That is good for the spirit and excellent exercise.

Tyson

26/05/2009

I think you lot need to pull your heads out of the clouds, put down your champagne. i went to see the Wooraloo football club on the weekend as being invited from a close friend whose son plays for the team. He explained to me the strict rules all the lads have to adhere to not only game day but everyday every hour.
COLLO: As for govt paying for there personal equipment are you acutally smart enough to type your self or did you get you kids to do it for you. The players have to supply all thier own stuff. As for the players maiking threats, i really dont think so. Yes its true some players may have done some thing bad to get into prison but is prison not about being reformed getting better for release bak in to society. They just beat the top team on the weekend 2 goals 5 to 40 goals 15 a lot of this sounds like sour grapes. As for prison guards you only see 2, you dont always see everything.
Go the Bombers

Dee

26/05/2009

Jeaks - As for your comment that the players making threats is rubbish, i suggest you sit near the benches next time they play, as i did - and tell me if a comment such as "I love shooting ***** like you" is rubbish!!!!

Richo

26/05/2009

Just wanted to correct one thing in the picture... That's Boyda "outmarking" Andrew, not a tackle.

I8AE43UOI

26/05/2009

WHO CARES GROW UP THERE JUST ABOUT TO BE REALESED GOOSES ITS MINUMUN SECURITY

MB66

26/05/2009

I played against Wooroloo a few weeks ago and although most of the wooroloo players played in the right spirit there was a core group who's only goal was to hurt as many of our players as possible. The injuries we finished with inlcuded a broken leg, 2 players knoked out several cases of concussion etc the gamed was called of in the last quater with 5 minutes to go. There spectators were calling out inciting there players to hurt our players. The one prison guard that was there did nothing all day. The way it is going they wont have any one to play against as sides wont turn up..

john

26/05/2009

i agree ed. I think the football association who accepted wooroloo to participate in there competition have a lot to answer for. Where do we draw the line in society? I believe you break the law you pay the price

Justin

26/05/2009

jeaks - you just want the privilage of seeing a contact of yours that is in prision each sunday but let's look at the other side, the opponents of the prisioners for a minute. These kids just want a game of footy, community recreation footy. They want to say i beat that suburban side etc not fear for their lives. And i know for a fact these guys on the field wont retalitae what they do is they point to their mates or gangs that come and watch and say see those boys over there they'll bash you after the game if you tackle me hard like that again.. These young kids do not deserve that.

Harry Mercantile

26/05/2009

It doesn't mention where they scare the life out of oppenents if they touch the ball... They say their mates on the sidelines will stab ya if you touch the ball etc.. surprising they dont write about this.. They should be stuck behind bars and serve their punishment and play other prisions not a bunch of blokes who want to go and enjoy themselves playing footy. They shouldnt have to fear for their lives.

Collo

26/05/2009

Question? is it true that all their gear, boots etc was bought using taxpayer money? I'd like the answer, because if the government has no problem funding them the gear then every other community based football club should also benefit from such a handout.

ed

26/05/2009

I would much prefer seeing the prisoners out on Section 94 of the Prisons Act actually doing community work. Make them clean up all the graffiti their type do in the first place before they get to play football.

mia

25/05/2009

I have to agree with previous comments, i do not see that they should be able to play football...these people are in Jail for a reason, imagine how their victims feel knowing they are able to do this. I agree that people deserve a second chance, but they should be serving their time first. They shouldn't be given privileges. Some of these people are murderer's, rapist's, pettofiles etc - if my team were playing against them i would not bring my children to the game either. I would suggest they have their own football team/competition inside the jail. Rehabilitate and integrate them back into the community some other way - to me this is far too risky, anything could happen when they are at a football game. Pretty disgusting if you ask me, there is a law for a reason, their is punishment for a reason...the legal system is bad as is, let alone this type of thing happening. Think of the victims of these people...this should not be allowed and really needs to be addressed!

Jennifer

25/05/2009

I agree Carol. I would assume that my hard earned tax payer dollar is used for these weekly 'excursions'.
Rehabilitation is one thing, weekly football games is another. I assume that inmates are all given adequate time and facilities to keep fit and in good health and have other rehabilitative programs on offer within the prison scheme.

Perhaps they could give back to the community by removing the graffiti that was drawn all over the clubhouse (council owned) on the weekend. This would be a punishment that better suits the crime.
Incarceration should be punishment, boring and loathed by the one who did wrong. This also includes removal privileges.

If only the government secondary school I taught at had the same monetary allowance as the prison for 'rehabilitation' activities to spend on educational programs, activities and counselling for the next generation, we might not have to deal with so many offenders in the first place.

Anna

25/05/2009

I am horrified over this, I was a parent at yesterdays game at Noranda and to see a prison van arrive at 11.00am with guards while a junior game was in progress was more than disturbing to say the least and I personally don't see one thing at all that benefits my community by them playing football.

Rushie

25/05/2009

I'd like to know the criteria used in deciding who is released for this team, it's a fact that last year one certain player was allowed to play for this mob even after he'd bashed and assaulted a female transit guard on the horseshoe bridge..such a crime certainly should have meant the culprit should have lost any rights to be allowed out to play football! once again the victims of these thugs are put to one side and the social engineers and do-gooders think giving them a game a of footy makes everything all right..well they are wrong!

kegger

25/05/2009

the whole point of jail is taking away one's freedom. these players were free men yesterday and will be for every sunday until september. to me these guys get clothed, fed and have the chance to play team sports on weekends, all without having to work and earn a living. now tell me thats not the life, hell there would be guys out there not at all bothered by the fact they were going back to jail. they would get a free ride and be able to be with their mates and play football on the weekends. send them up to a cattle station to work and pay a debt back to society, then tell me how many are keen to go back in. the powers that be must come to their senses and stop this insanity

Jack

25/05/2009

''COMMUNITY sports competitions are playing a key role in rehabilitating criminals''

What a load of bunk! if that's the case why were they shown the door from the Hills comp a few years back? and like Tristan a previous writer asked who exactly gave the red light to this farce? As I recall krakour was jailed for bashing someone as far as I'm concerned he's done his dash and lost all rights to playing football, just because he's a former AFL player and remains on a WAFL clubs list doesn't make him any different to anyone else..what a bloody joke!

Sam

25/05/2009

Fleur, individually or in small groups they can get together and do something to get their confidence back. If they joined an amatuer team and played 12 prisoners and 12 young guys it would help the prisoners get their life back together. They would be able to mix with guys outside of the prison as well as get an opportunity to play footy with mates from inside jail. What it has become now is 30 blokes who do not interact at all in a positive way towards people outside jail rather causing issues with other people. Is this what we want to push and say is right?

Tristan

25/05/2009

The Wooraloo team should be disbanded, the fact is that these prisoners have broken the law and as such have lost any right to be released at the weekends to play football and as football is a contact sport have all the health issues been addressed in regard to HIV/hepititus do these players even get screened? victims of crime deserve better as for this comment

“If someone misbehaves in their workplace or in the community, they don’t get the opportunity to go out.”

hypocritical to say the least!

bruce

25/05/2009

I aggree completley barry. What next murderers, and rapest's will be allowed to play next. what a joke this whole thing has become. the treats the players are making from wooroloo is discusting and for the mercantile football association to allow this to continue is very poor and unprofessional. I'm all for giving blokes a second chance in life but by allowing inmates who have committed crimes the oppertunity to get out of jail every week is a bit excessive if you ask me. I wonder what the wider community think about prisoners playing regular football every week? I bet those who have been victoms to some of these players crimes would be gutted to find out they are out of jail every weekend. like i said before discusting.

Ricky

25/05/2009

I enjoy fishing, does wooraloo prison have a program that may help further my casting?
When will the bleeding hearts realise that allowing these prisoners to continue fufilling their hobbies is an absolute joke and an insult to the victims of crimes. I think before they get cleared to play the victims of their crimes should be asked how they feel about their freedom play football.
I for one think them playing football is not a punishment, no wonder this state has such a high level of reoffending criminals. What ever happened to PAYING for your crimes, not PLAYING ofr your crimes.

Jeaks

25/05/2009

The comments here reek of sour grapes. As for suggesting that there was somthing wrong with the behviour of the team and the supporters, well I wonder what game you were at. I have been there and watched most games and it just seems like a normal day at the football.

As for some of teh suggested behviours like players making threats, what a load of rubbish! The players do that and they know they won't play again and that they will be send to other prisons with their parole chances gone.

Carol

25/05/2009

I would agree with bruce that allowing prisoners to play football is a privlige they do not deserve. I would have thought the joy of experiencing a premiership is a right they gave up the minute they were found guilty of a serious crime.
Not to mention the saftey issues if they were to play against a victim or even friends or family of the victim.
May I ask who is paying for the costs of their bus rides, security at the games, equipment, ground hire, insurance, player fees etc... I assume its the taxpayers who are also burdened with feeding and housing these people while they serve their time.
I for one would rather my tax dollars were spent on more deservng members of society, eg sports program for people with disabilitys.
Surely there must also be an issue of smuggling contra-band into prison while on these weekly trips, i would be interested to know the security measures used to avoid this and how many people have been caught doing whilst on their little holiday from jail.

Sam

25/05/2009

If they have 270 inmates why don't they start an inter jail comp??

Barry

25/05/2009

I am very happy for Worraloo prisoners that they are able to get out of jail for a day and spend 11 am till 6:30pm put of jail, after commiting crimes such as assult, armed hold ups, theft, dealing drugs and other vicious crimes, these blokes are definately paying theyre debt back to society. Six days a week locked, plus training plus gym time with no work sounds like a holiday not a jail sentance to me. im all for giving people a second chance but after playing against them in the last few weeks and having atleast 5 inmates tell team mates of mine that they're out in a few weeks and will come get them im not sure the message is really getting through to them that this behaviour is unacceptable. Andrew Krakour would have to be the best player ive played against but i have never been more dissapointed with some of his standings behaviour, maybe he should start setting a good example and the rest might just follow. their onfield behaviour needs to be addressed.

fleur

25/05/2009

why would you have a go at a program that is helping these men feel better about themselves. they have obviously hit rock bottom, if they are in jail. why not give them a chance to fit into society through their sport. what you are teaching the junior players is that everyone messes up, some more than others and sometimes in life you might have to put out your hand and help someone back on their feet. some people in life have more luck than others, maybe this program is the sort of luck some men are looking for.

Sam

25/05/2009

I was once a supporter of this but after watching the way the team and its supporters behaved on the weekend I am disappointed. Last year they joined up with another amateur team so it was 10 prisoners and 2 guards with the rest of the team coming from a local team. The 10 prisoners were well behaved friendly and the clubs were happy to accommodate them. This year and on the weekend just gone I witnessed threats of violence against other players while some players refused to shake hands with opposition. This report says that the prisoners are scrutinised and 80% of the players are probably nice guys but when you combine everyone together their is more chance of something happening because they feel united and push each other along. If something was to happen at a game on Sunday, their would be no way that 1 guard could stop a fight between any of the prisoners and the opposition. I am concerned that this club is growing and it is no longer being a safe friendly club that it used to be.

jason

25/05/2009

Being involved with the competition Wooroloo participate in I feel strongly against inmates being allowed to play in a weekly competition. Not only have the members of wooroloo broken the law but what message does this send to our junior players within our local community. I witnessed them play last week and even though there behaviour was ok as a parent of young children who play football and love comming down each weekend I choose not to bring them this weekend. For those clubs who work tiresly during the off season I feel sorry for you when your club turns up against players such as Andrew Krakour. What if 5 ex AFL Players are in Jail next year? do they also get to continue playing football each week? I thought that if you break the law you pay for the things you have done not be released every weekend to enjoy a family day out at the footy???? whats going on in this so called wonderful state of ours?

bruce

25/05/2009

I am discusted that prisoners are allowed to play in a structured weekly competition. Put yourself in the shoes of the victoms of these criminals and how would you feel knowing that the person who robbed or bashed you is allowed to be free from jail 25 weekends of the year. It is discusting to say the least and I can't believe that they are allowed to participate in the things that they love most. Take Andrew Krakour for instance who loves the game of Australian Football, but he broke the law so by braking the law shouldn't he lose the privledge to participate in the game he loves? how do you think the family of the person he assulted feel about him being released 25 weekends a year to play football? Discusting. I am all for rehab and assisting them rejoin the local community however I believe 25 out of 52 weekends is far more than assisting them re-join the community. I would suggest that perhaps other options are looked at????

Share your thoughts in 60 seconds!

Members : login to comment