Adelaide Crows head coach Matthew Nicks has publicly acknowledged former club front man Tony Modra as he fights for his life following a horrific vehicle crash.
Modra, 57, has suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of a collision which involved his cattle truck in South Australia.
The Crows legend currently lies in a bed at Flinders Medical Centre, after being airlifted to the location from the crash site south of Adelaide.
Messages of well wishes have been flowing for the 165-game veteran, and now his club’s current coach has provided his own acknowledgment.
‘We’re gonna put all our energy around them [Tony’s family] at the moment, and our thoughts. It’s a pretty tough time,’ Matthew Nicks told reporters.
‘There’s certain people who have an aura about them, and Tony is one of those. I’m sure he will fight his way through this one.
Tony Modra (pictured) is currently fighting for his life in hospital after being involved in an accident in his cattle truck
The Adelaide Crows legend (pictured in 1996) was a popular member of the club in his playing days
Current Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks (pictured) has since paid tribute to Modra as he continues his abattle
Nicks has also reflected on Modra’s impact on the Adelaide Crows as a footy club, and a sporting organisation.
‘I think when you think of the Adelaide Crows, Tony’s name is one that comes to mind,’ he said.
‘Anyone who knows, when you speak about the footy club, Tony Modra… and what he was able to do… (you think of him immediately)’
South Australia have since revealed Modra is now in a ‘critical but stable’ condition.
The 57-year-old is an AFL giant, winning Mark of the Year three times, kicking goal of the year in 1995, and being awarded life membership of the Crows in 2008.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas said his thoughts were with Modra and his family.
‘Mods is an SA icon who has never forgotten where he came from,’ he said.
‘Down to earth and just a really good bloke. Tony and his family are in our thoughts tonight, and we all hope he’ll be ok.’
