Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Tony Modra surgery news brought relief to Adelaide Football Club and the wider AFL community after the Crows great woke in hospital on Saturday following facial surgery.
Modra remains in a serious but stable condition after suffering facial injuries on Thursday evening when a fallen tree branch smashed through the windshield of the truck he was driving near his farm, about 90km south of Adelaide. The update mattered because the 57-year-old remains one of Australian football’s most loved figures after starring for Adelaide Football Club and Fremantle Football Club.
For more WAFL and AFL coverage, read Peel Thunder vs East Perth Royals: Sean Darcy Stars In 98-Point WAFL Win, while official league information is available through the Australian Football League website.
Crows Lifted By Positive News
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks spoke about Modra after Adelaide Football Club defeated Melbourne Football Club by 17 points on Saturday afternoon.
“We’re hearing positive thoughts, there’s a lot of positive news coming back,” Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said after his side defeated Melbourne by 17 points on Saturday afternoon.
“But we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.
“It’s a tough time because he’s such a huge presence around our footy club ... the energy that he brings.
“’He’s one of the best footballers to play the game, but he’s just incredible energy - he’s got this aura about him, always smiling ... So we look forward to him recovering and getting him back.”
Modra Remains In Club’s Thoughts
Modra kicked 588 goals in 165 games for Adelaide Football Club and Fremantle Football Club between 1992 and 2001.
Nicks said the Crows had spoken openly about Modra’s situation before facing Melbourne Football Club, while also keeping their match focus.
“It’s something that we don’t hide from, that there are tough things going on in life and footy is not number one,” Nicks said.
“However when we get to the oval on a game day, there’s a need as a professional athlete to actually put footy number one for 120 minutes or a little bit longer than that, because you’ve got to prepare yourself.
“So we had that conversation. We talked openly through a number of things that are going on in life, away from what we’re doing on a footy oval.
“But the moment we walk off, then our mind goes back to family and to things like Mods, and where Mods is at at the moment and how we can try and support.”