Former AFL Star Tony Modra Seriously Injured in Cattle Truck Crash
Tony Modra, a former Adelaide Crows and Fremantle Dockers star, remains in hospital after a single-vehicle crash on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
A 57-year-old man, identified as former Australian rules footballer Tony Modra, was injured on Thursday, June 18, when the cattle truck he was driving struck a tree near Victor Harbor, South Australia. Modra remains hospitalized in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Incident Details
Emergency services responded to a single-vehicle crash on Range Road in Back Valley, approximately 10 kilometers west of Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula, at approximately 5:15 PM on Thursday. According to South Australia Police, the truck driven by Modra hit a tree. Reports differ on whether a tree fell onto the vehicle or the truck hit a tree. Modra was the sole occupant and driver of the vehicle.
Modra sustained serious injuries, including fractures to his jaw, cheekbone, and eye socket. He was airlifted to Flinders Medical Centre, where he was initially listed in critical condition. He underwent facial surgery on Friday, May 23. According to SA Health and statements from former teammate Mark Ricciuto, Modra was subsequently stabilized and released from the intensive care unit on Saturday, May 25.
"He has no concussion or brain injury and remembers the incident," Ricciuto confirmed. The family described the crash as a "freak accident" and stated that Modra has undergone two surgeries.
Aftermath and Response
Traffic restrictions were in place on Range Road for several hours before the road fully re-opened.
A 78-year-old local resident, Linda Cameron, discovered the crash and provided first aid to Modra, applying pressure to his wound with tissues and providing blankets until emergency services arrived.
Modra's wife, Erica, issued a statement thanking the first responders who saved his life and helped communicate with her during the incident. The family’s son, Luke, helped coordinate the emergency response, and their daughter, Hayley, was the first to arrive at the hospital.
In a separate family statement, relatives expressed gratitude for the support from the community and the AFL community, thanked the three passers-by who provided first aid, and requested privacy to focus on Modra's care and recovery. The family stated that future updates will be provided via the Adelaide Football Club.
Public Statements
- Peter Malinauskas, South Australian Premier: Described Modra as an “SA icon” and an “extraordinary South Australian.”
- Mark Ricciuto, former teammate: Stated Modra is expected to have scars but is recovering. He also noted additional surgery is scheduled.
- Tex Walker, Adelaide Crows player: Expressed hope for recovery.
- Justin Longmuir, Fremantle Dockers coach and former teammate: Sent well wishes to Modra and his family.
During the Adelaide vs. Melbourne match on Saturday, May 24, fans applauded at the six-minute mark in tribute to Modra's jersey number 6.
Background
Tony Modra is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played 199 games across the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). He played 165 AFL games (118 for the Adelaide Crows and 47 for the Fremantle Dockers) from 1992 to 2001, kicking 558 or 588 goals (sources vary). He kicked 440 goals for Adelaide.
Modra was twice named All-Australian, won the Coleman Medal in 1997, and served as Adelaide's leading goalkicker for five consecutive seasons. He won the AFL's Mark of the Year award three times (twice with Adelaide and once with Fremantle). He suffered a knee injury in the 1997 preliminary final, missing the club's first AFL premiership, and was unable to regain his place for the 1998 premiership.
After his AFL career, Modra returned to country South Australia to work on a cattle farm.