Former Adelaide star key forward and beloved football figure Tony Modra has received good news as he fights to recover from a truck accident.
For a period of time, those close to Modra seriously feared for his life, but the 57-year-old's condition at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide has been downgraded from critical to stable as reported by Nine News.
The news comes as a relief for Modra's family and friends and the wider football community, as an out pour of support came when news broke on Thursday of the crash.
The crowd at Adelaide Oval on Saturday stood to a standing ovation at the six minute mark of the match between Adelaide and Melbourne in honour of Modra's number six he would wear for the Crows. Signs of "Godra" and well wishes were scattered everywhere among the strong attendance.
Modra had been driving his cattle truck in regional South Australia when a branch fell on his vehicle while driving, resulting in a crash.
He was then found stumbling near his truck by a passerby who was critical in getting him the help he needed.
Initially taken to Victor Harbor Hospital, Modra was then airlifted to Flinders Medical Centre, where he received surgery to the left side of his face, jaw, cheekbone and eye socket.
He remains in hospital as he recovers from his intensive surgeries, but is now awake.
Modra was a football icon of South Australia and the nation in the 1990s.
His blonde locks were often seen leaping for hangers over defenders' heads, winning Mark of the Year three times.
He played 165 games and kicked 588 goals during his time at Adelaide and Fremantle.
