‘Lot of support’: Modra’s first words as AFL icon sends heartfelt message after horrific crash

AFL icon Tony Modra has spoken for the first time since his life-threatening car crash last week, sharing a heartfelt voice message ahead of Saturday night’s Showdown.

Modra remains in hospital recovering after undergoing surgery for serious facial injuries suffered when a fallen tree branch smashed through the windshield of his cattle truck while he was driving in Back Valley, South Australia last Thursday.

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Initially in a critical condition after being airlifted to Flinders Medical Centre, the 57-year-old is now being nursed back to health while surrounded by his family.

And while he’s not quite himself just yet, close mate and fellow Crows great Mark Ricciuto revealed that Modra had a positive message to share.

“I did have the pleasure during the week of catching up with Tony Modra, which was an awesome experience to go down to the hospital and see him,” Ricciuto said on Fox Footy’s coverage of Showdown 60.

“He didn’t look the same, and he didn’t sound the same, but he had the same sense of humour.

“I can’t describe with the same words how much he said it hurt … but he did want to leave a message for everyone.”

In a voice message, Modra, looking forward to watching his former club battle the Power, thanked the footy community for its support during this period.

“G’day everybody, I’m really looking forward to watching tonight’s Showdown,” Modra said.

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

“Looking forward to the friendly banter and the two teams putting on a great show for South Australia.

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

Ricciuto also relayed that Modra wanted to reinforce his gratitude to the pair of first responders who played a crucial role in saving his life.

“He’s going to make a recovery. He doesn’t quite sound the same at the moment, but was in good spirits,” Ricciuto added on Fox Footy.

“And he just wanted to make sure I reinforced how happy he was that Sarah and Anthony, the two first responders, got there on the scene and saved his life.

“He also wanted to give a big shoutout to all the people at the Victor Harbour Hospital and the Flinders Private Hospital - he said they’ve been absolutely brilliant.

“He said he thought he knew teamwork, until he saw how the doctors and nurses and staff down at the hospitals looked after him.

“He’s got his wife, Erica, and two kids, Hailey and Luke, around him looking after him, so he’s in good hands. Good on you, Mods.”

Ricciuto, obviously shaken up by Modra’s accident, said he’s been in better spirits as the positive developments came to light.

“I think everyone was (shaken up) last week. I’ve been a lot smilier the last couple of days,” he said.

“He’s going to get through it like only Tony Modra can. It’s a great comeback.”

Modra played 165 AFL games, kicking 558 goals, with 118 games at the Crows and then 47 at the Dockers.

He was twice named an All-Australian and led his club goalkicking six times, taking Mark of the Year three times.