Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
AFL great Tony Modra remains in hospital after a serious truck crash in South Australia, with his wife Erica thanking emergency responders who she says helped save his life. The former Adelaide and Fremantle star was injured when the truck he was driving crashed into a tree at Back Valley near Victor Harbor on Thursday afternoon. The incident has drawn widespread support from the football community as Modra continues his recovery.
Former Adelaide teammate Mark Ricciuto shared a statement from Erica on Triple M Adelaide, saying Modra was receiving care in the intensive care unit at Flinders Medical Centre.
Emergency services praised for response
Ricciuto, who played alongside Modra during Adelaide’s early AFL years, said the family was grateful for the actions of first responders who attended the crash.
“[Erica] just wants to say a very big thank you to the first responders who saved his life and helped talk through to Erica while things were going down,” Ricciuto said.
South Australia Police confirmed that a 57 year old man from Waitpinga was taken to hospital following the crash. Modra was later confirmed to be receiving treatment at Flinders Medical Centre.
Ricciuto described Modra as one of his closest friends and said the former forward was in good hands while doctors continued to monitor his condition.
He also shared a lighter moment from his conversation with Erica, who joked that Modra may return with some scars after the incident.
Football community rallies around Modra
News of the crash quickly spread throughout the AFL community, with former teammates, clubs and supporters sending messages of support.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas described Modra as an extraordinary South Australian who has made a significant impact both on and off the football field.
“It’s hardly a surprise that the news of the crash has captured the attention of many, given the impact that Mods had on a lot of people, whether he met them or not,” Malinauskas said.
Current Adelaide captain Taylor Walker also shared his support, saying the club was hoping for Modra’s recovery.
“We’re just hoping he’s OK,” Walker told reporters outside the Crows’ headquarters.
Former Fremantle teammate and current coach Justin Longmuir also expressed his thoughts following the incident.
“It’s pretty fresh for me like it is for everyone, obviously a big part of the Freo family and all I can say is I wish him and his family well,” Longmuir said.
“I’m thinking of him, we’re all thinking of him and his family and thoughts are with them.”
Modra’s lasting AFL legacy
Modra remains one of the most recognisable figures in South Australian football history.
He made his AFL debut for Adelaide in 1992 and quickly became one of the competition’s most dangerous forwards. The high flying goalkicker led the Crows’ goal tally for five consecutive seasons and claimed the Coleman Medal in 1997.
During his career, Modra kicked 440 goals for Adelaide and became famous for his spectacular marking ability. He won the AFL Mark of the Year award three times, including once while playing for Fremantle.
The 1997 season was one of the most memorable periods of his career. While Modra claimed the Coleman Medal, a serious knee injury suffered during the preliminary final ruled him out of Adelaide’s first AFL premiership.
After leaving the Crows, Modra continued his career with Fremantle before eventually returning to regional South Australia, where his football journey began.
The outpouring of support following the crash reflects the lasting influence Modra has had across Australian football. Fans and former players continue to wait for further updates as he recovers in hospital.