Feathers fly as Krakouer walks

A scrap is brewing between West Perth and Swan Districts over the transfer fee for de-listed Collingwood star Andrew Krakouer, who yesterday walked out on a two-year deal with the Falcons.

The two clubs had signed a transfer agreement believed to be worth $20,000, allowing the 30-year-old to play for the WAFL premiers this season.

But despite agreeing to a two-year deal and being listed by the Falcons, the club yesterday announced Krakouer would instead head to the Pilbara to work in the mining industry.

His defection is set to cost West Perth both on and off the field, with Swans chief executive Tom Bottrell declaring his club would still expect to be paid the full transfer fee.

"A deal was done and we've sent an invoice so we would expect payment," he said.

"It's no different to someone running down the race on the first training night and breaking their leg and never playing again - he was signed to them."

West Perth president Brett Raponi said he hoped common sense would prevail and a deal could be struck.

However, a spokesman from the WAFL said the league would expect the fee to be paid.

"The player was transferred and listed by the club so transfer fees apply," he said.

Raponi said Krakouer's decision to leave was disappointing but praised him and his management for the way they handled the situation.

"We've been in discussions with Andrew for about a week, so it wasn't a shock," he said.

"He was really professional about it, he kept us in the loop on everything, didn't miss meetings, we were well advised where it was going.

"From a footy side really it doesn't make that much difference. From a marketing side I think it's a loss to the competition as much as it is to West Perth."

·Swan Districts have extended coach Greg Harding's contract through to the end of 2015.

Harding was due to come out of contract at the end of this season.