Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Tony Modra has been upgraded to a critical but stable condition in hospital following a serious truck crash in South Australia, with wife Erica Modra providing new details about the accident that left the AFL legend fighting for his life. The former Adelaide Crows and Fremantle Dockers star was seriously injured on Thursday near Victor Harbor when a tree reportedly fell into the path of his cattle truck during extreme weather conditions.
The update has brought relief to the football community, which has rallied around the 57 year old since news of the accident emerged.
Former Adelaide teammate and close friend Mark Ricciuto shared the latest information after speaking with Erica, who thanked emergency personnel and supporters for their assistance and well wishes.
Wife thanks first responders
Speaking on Triple M Adelaide, Ricciuto said Erica wanted to express her gratitude to the emergency crews who helped save Modra's life.
“She wants to say thank you to all the people in Western Australia who have been reaching out to her,” Ricciuto said.
He explained that first responders, including local emergency workers and hospital staff, played a critical role in stabilising Modra following the accident.
Ricciuto revealed that Erica described Modra’s survival as remarkable given the severity of the incident.
“She said he’s going alright. It’s pretty amazing that he’s got through it,” he said.
Despite the seriousness of his injuries, there are encouraging signs regarding his recovery.
Ricciuto added that Erica maintained her sense of humour while discussing her husband’s condition.
“She said to me just before he’s not going to be the same good looking Tony Modra, he’s going to have some scars,” he said.
Details emerge about the accident
Ricciuto also shared Erica’s account of how the crash occurred, describing it as a tragic and unavoidable event.
According to the family, Modra was driving home in his cattle truck on Range Road at Back Valley near Victor Harbor when strong winds caused a tree to become uprooted.
The tree reportedly fell directly into the truck’s path, giving Modra no opportunity to avoid the collision.
“It was extremely windy yesterday and a complete freak accident,” Ricciuto said.
“A tree got uprooted and fell across the road right in front of him as he was driving on the correct side of the road, and it hit his windscreen.”
Ricciuto stressed that Modra had been driving responsibly and that the accident was beyond his control.
“He didn’t veer off, didn’t even get time to avoid it. He was doing the right thing,” he said.
The clarification was provided to address speculation surrounding the circumstances of the crash.
Football world united in support
The accident has generated an enormous response from across the AFL community.
Adelaide released a statement on Friday expressing support for one of the club’s most celebrated players.
“Our collective thoughts and prayers are with Mods and his family, and we are all hoping for the best,” the club said.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir, who played alongside Modra during his time at the Dockers, also offered his support after Thursday night's AFL match.
“It’s pretty fresh for me, like it is for everyone,” Longmuir said.
“Obviously a big part of the Freo family. All I can say is I wish him and his family well.”
A beloved AFL figure
Modra remains one of the most iconic forwards of the modern AFL era.
He played 118 games for Adelaide, kicking 440 goals and winning the 1997 Coleman Medal as the league’s leading goalkicker.
Following his departure from the Crows, he joined Fremantle and added another 148 goals across 47 matches.
His spectacular aerial ability earned him three Mark of the Year awards, while his exciting style of play made him one of the most popular footballers of his generation.
As he continues his recovery in hospital, messages of support continue to pour in from former teammates, clubs and fans across Australia.
For now, the positive update from Erica Modra has provided hope that the AFL great can continue his fight toward recovery.