Modra family provides update on Tony after serious accident

AFL legend Tony Modra has made "encouraging progress" after being involved in a serious incident in South Australia.

According to reports, police responded to the incident which happened on Range Road at Back Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula at 5.15pm on Thursday.

The 57-year-old was air lifted to hospital.

“The driver and sole occupant of the truck, a 57-year-old Waitpinga man, was taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries,” South Australia Police said in a statement.

Modra played 118 games and kicked 440 goals for Adelaide between 1992 and 1998 before joining Fremantle where he kicked 148 goals in 47 matches.

His wife, Erica, and the Modra family released this statement on Monday.

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.

There has been an overwhelming show of love from our friends, extended family, the AFL community across the country, and broader public. We are deeply grateful.

While it’s not possible for us to get back to everyone individually right now, we are reading these messages and want you to know it means so much. Our children, Hayley and Luke, have told their Dad how Crows fans showed their support during Saturday’s game and he was overcome with emotion and gratitude.

What happened last Thursday evening was a freak accident. We are extremely grateful to the three passersby – including two people who were trained in first aid and another who provided comfort – who stopped to help within seconds.

The emergency services’ professionalism, care and swift action were extraordinary as well. Without doubt, they all played a critical role in saving Anthony’s life.

As parents, we want to acknowledge Luke, whose calmness and quick thinking helped coordinate an immediate response from emergency services, as well as Hayley who was first to the hospital.

To all of the staff, specialists and surgeons at the Southern Fleurieu Health Service at Victor Harbor and Flinders Medical Centre, we could not ask for better expertise and care.

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. We kindly ask for privacy so we can focus on Anthony’s care and recovery.

The Adelaide Football Club will provide updates, when appropriate, going forward.

Speaking on SEN Fireball, Kane Cornes said Modra was his childhood hero.

"A sombre feeling this morning," he said. "Praying that he pulls through. Every childhood footy memory I have got is centred around Modra. He was an absolute hero of mine.

"To every Crows fan from the 90s that loved this man, we’re all thinking of you this morning, Mods."

Kane's dad Graham coached Modra at the Crows early in his career.

On Friday morning the Crows posted to social media: "Our collective thoughts and prayers are with Mods and his family, and we are all hoping for the best."

Nicknamed 'Godra' during his playing days, the high-flying goal kicker won the Coleman Medal in 1997 and was a two-time All-Australian.

After his side's nine point victory over Geelong, Freo coach Justin Longmuir sent his well wishes to former teammate Modra and his family.

"He’s obviously a big part of the Freo family," he said. "All I can say is I wish him and his family well and hopefully he can pull through.

"I’m thinking of him, we’re all thinking of him.”