Former AFL player Tony Modra is in a critical condition in hospital after a truck crash on his farm near Adelaide. The 57-year-old, who played for Adelaide and Fremantle, suffered head injuries in the accident on Thursday afternoon.
Modra's wife, Erica, has expressed her gratitude to the two first responders, Sarah and Anthony, who rushed to his aid. Former Crows captain Mark Ricciuto relayed her message on his radio show, saying, "She just wants to say a very big thank you to the first responders... who saved his life."
Modra was injured when a tree branch reportedly broke through the windshield of the truck he was driving on his cattle property at Back Valley, about 90km south of Adelaide. He has lived on a beef and cattle farm at Waitpinga since 2003.
Career and Legacy
Modra rose to AFL fame with Adelaide between 1992 and 1998, known for his spectacular high marking and prolific goal-kicking. He later played three seasons with Fremantle, alongside current Dockers coach Justin Longmuir, who said, "He's obviously a big part of the Freo family... Hopefully, he can pull through."
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and opposition leader Ashton Hurn both called Modra an "icon" of the state. Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks added, "There's certain people that have an aura about them and Tony is one of those... Our prayers are there... We just hope he fights through this one."
