AFL icon Tony Modra has shown “encouraging signs” in his recovery but still faces a “long road ahead” following a near-fatal truck accident last week. The 57-year-old former Adelaide and Fremantle champion was rushed to hospital after a freak incident near Victor Harbour, about 80 kilometres south of Adelaide, on Thursday evening.
Details of the Accident
Modra was driving near his cattle property when a tree branch smashed through his truck’s windshield, causing severe facial injuries that threatened his life. He spent days in the intensive care unit at Flinders Medical Centre in South Adelaide, undergoing several surgeries.
According to a statement released by Modra’s family on Monday evening, “Over the past four days, during which Anthony has twice undergone surgery, he has made encouraging progress. However, we are still working through the extent of his injuries and as a family, we are in a very challenging period. There’s a long road ahead.”
Family Thanks Emergency Services and Bystanders
The family expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support received since the accident. They thanked emergency services and three passersby who helped save Modra’s life. “We want to sincerely thank the many people who have reached out in recent days with messages of support, care and encouragement following Anthony’s accident,” the statement said. “There has been an overwhelming show of love from our friends, extended family, the AFL community across the country, and broader public.”
The family specifically acknowledged the three bystanders who stopped immediately after the crash, including two trained in first aid and another who provided comfort. “Without doubt, they all played a critical role in saving Anthony’s life,” the statement added. They also praised their son Luke for his calmness in coordinating the emergency response and daughter Hayley for being first to the hospital.
Ricciuto Provides Positive Update
Close friend and former teammate Mark Ricciuto shared an update on Monday, calling it a “positive weekend.” He told Triple M Breakfast that Modra underwent lengthy surgeries on Friday for his jaw, cheekbone, and eye socket. “Saturday I got a great message from Erica (Modra’s wife) saying that they’ve woken him up, and that was awesome. But he was in a lot of pain,” Ricciuto said.
Ricciuto noted that Modra remembered everything about the accident, indicating no concussion or brain injury. “So, great news he’s got no brain issues, a little bit tough emotionally to get through reliving what happened,” he added.
Outpouring of Support from AFL Community
The AFL community rallied around Modra. During Adelaide’s match against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, fans displayed the original ‘GOD-RA’ banner from the 1990s in support of the former Crows star. Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks acknowledged the emotional impact, saying, “It’s something that we don’t hide from, that there are tough things going on in life and footy is not number one.”
Modra’s family concluded their statement by thanking all medical staff involved in his care, including those at Southern Fleurieu Health Service and Flinders Medical Centre. “We could not ask for better expertise and care,” they said.
