Disgraced AFL star Jim Krakouer says his biggest regret from his criminal past is missing his children grow up.

The former North Melbourne and St Kilda player was this week freed from jail on work release after nine years behind bars for drug trafficking.

He said it was "pretty shattering" not being able to see his children - including current Richmond player Andrew - grow up.

"When I first got in trouble they were young and I missed all their grown up years," he said on Channel Nine's The Footy Show.

"It's pretty shattering, but you can't cry over spilt milk now.

"I made a mistake and (I've) done my time and hopefully there might be a chance to get on with life again."

Krakouer, 45, who played 147 games from 1982-91, was sentenced to 16 years' jail in 1996 after being convicted of being involved in a large amphetamines deal.

Krakouer was hit with two drug charges relating to the 1994 police seizure of 5kg of amphetamines - with an estimated street value of $500,000 - concealed in the doors of a car.

Krakouer has never seen Andrew, 21, play but often spoke with his son on the telephone about how his career was going.

Krakouer, who is eligible for parole in February, said he was devastated when caught red-handed trafficking drugs.

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