AFL icon speaks for first time since near-fatal crash

Tony Modra has spoken for the first time since his near-fatal cattle truck crash, thanking the AFL community for their ongoing support amid his recovery.

The former Adelaide Crows star remains under doctors’ supervision for injuries suffered after a tree fell onto his car while driving in Back Valley earlier this month.

The 57-year-old’s family described the crash as “a freak accident” and confirmed on Monday that he had undergone two surgeries after being admitted to hospital.

Modra’s wife Erica was on the phone with him when his truck collided with the tree branch, with her son Luke using the Find my iPhone app to help direct emergency services to his location.

While the road to recovery will be long for Modra, he revealed his plan to watch the epic showdown between Port Adelaide and the Crows from his hospital bed.

“G’day everybody. I am really looking forward to watching (Saturday’s) showdown,” he said in an audio message released on Saturday evening.

“I’ve heard I’ve had a lot of support, not just by Crows fans but Port fans as well. I would just like to thank everybody. I hope everybody has a great night.

“I am looking forward to the friendly banter and the two teams putting on a great show for South Australia.”

Modra’s former club went down 13.19(97) to 11.5(71) against the Power.

He concluded his first message since the accident with a road safety message to the fans, players and team staffers who travelled to Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

“Enjoy the game and make sure you drive home safe,” he said.