Source : ABC NEWS
Adelaide Crows legend Tony Modra says he has left hospital after he was seriously injured in a truck crash last month.
In a statement, Modra said he had been “overwhelmed by the kindness and care” shown to him and his family.
Modra was injured in June when the truck he was driving hit a tree at Back Valley, near Victor Harbor on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.
“I have left hospital to continue my recovery at home and only now starting to wrap my head around the incredible amount of support and well wishes that have come our way,” he said in the statement released by the Adelaide Crows.
“I remain deeply grateful to the members of the public who gave me vital first aid until professional help arrived, to others who offered reassurance, and to the emergency responders, medical staff and specialists who have cared for me since the accident.
“My progress has been encouraging and we kindly ask that our privacy continues to be respected as we focus on my rehabilitation. Thank you.”
The truck Tony Modra was driving when he hit a tree near Victor Harbor. (Supplied: 9News Adelaide)
There had been grave fears for the 1997 Coleman Medal winner but, two days after his crash, former teammate Mark Ricciuto said Modra had come out of a coma following facial surgery.
Modra played a total of 165 AFL games for the Adelaide Crows and Fremantle Dockers.
He debuted for Adelaide in 1992, and was the club’s leading goal kicker for five straight seasons.
Modra kicked 440 goals for Adelaide and won the AFL’s mark of the year three times, including once at Fremantle.
He finished his career at the Dockers before returning to regional SA, where he played country footy for Encounter Bay and Keith.
As a junior he played for Loxton in the Riverland and then for Renmark.
In recent years he has been a farmer at Waitpinga, near where the crash occurred, as well as doing corporate work for organisations including the Adelaide Football Club.
Tony Modra was the second Crow inducted into the club’s hall of fame in 2015. (ABC News: Rachel Forbes)
In a statement issued by Modra’s wife Erica and the Modra family four days after the crash, they said they were “extremely grateful” to the “many people” who had reached out, including friends, extended family, the AFL community around the country and the broader public.
“While it’s not possible for us to get back to everyone individually right now, we are reading these messages and want you to know it means so much,” the statement said.
“Our children, Hayley and Luke, have told their Dad how Crows fans showed their support during Saturday’s game, and he was overcome with emotion and gratitude.”
