Coach Shares Heartfelt Message for Tony Modra After Learning of Crash
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir delivered a deeply emotional message for club great Tony Modra shortly after his team secured a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Geelong. The news of the AFL legend’s serious truck crash reached Longmuir just minutes after the Dockers’ thrilling 14.15 (99) to 14.6 (90) win at Optus Stadium, a victory that extended Fremantle’s club-record winning streak to 13 games.
Modra’s Condition and Longmuir’s Shock
The 57-year-old former Adelaide and Fremantle champion remains hospitalized following a cattle truck accident near Victor Harbor in South Australia on Thursday evening. Longmuir, who played alongside Modra during the forward’s tenure at Fremantle, expressed his profound shock upon hearing the news.
“It’s pretty fresh for me… obviously [Modra is] a big part of the Freo family,” Longmuir stated. He added, “All I can say is I wish him and his family well. Hopefully, he can pull through. I’m thinking of him, we’re all thinking of him and his family. Thoughts are with them.”
Tributes Pour in for a Sporting Icon
As news of Modra’s accident spread, messages of support and tributes flowed from across the nation. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas described the former high-flying forward as an icon of the state.
“‘Mods’ is an SA icon who has never forgotten where he came from. Down to earth and just a really good bloke,” Malinauskas commented. “Tony and his family are in our thoughts tonight, and we all hope he’ll be okay.”
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes also paid homage to one of his childhood heroes. “He’s my hero, he has been since I was 10 years of age. He’s a fighter,” Cornes said.
Modra’s Storied AFL Career
Modra played 47 games for Fremantle after transitioning from Adelaide ahead of the 1999 season. He remains a highly popular figure in both Adelaide and Fremantle football history. Adelaide supporters took to social media in large numbers, sending “positive vibes for Tony’s recovery” and calling him a “legend.” One fan posted, “Devastating news… sending love to all family & close friends… absolute legend of the game.”
The former full-forward played 118 games and kicked 440 goals for Adelaide before concluding his AFL career with 47 games and 148 goals for Fremantle. A two-time All-Australian and the 1997 Coleman Medallist, Modra is widely remembered for his spectacular aerial displays and high marks throughout the 1990s, cementing his status as one of the game’s most exciting entertainers.
Fremantle’s Remarkable Comeback
The somber news followed one of Fremantle’s most impressive performances of the season. The Dockers had trailed by 28 points midway through the second quarter, with their winning streak appearing under threat due to missed scoring opportunities. However, Longmuir’s team mounted a significant comeback after halftime, kicking 10 unanswered goals to secure a hard-fought nine-point victory in front of 55,201 fans.
Jackson’s Dominant Performance
Star ruckman Luke Jackson was a key figure in the turnaround, contributing 28 disposals, 26 hit-outs, six clearances, and three goals in a dominant display. “He just keeps building, doesn’t he? He keeps growing as a player,” Longmuir commented on Jackson’s performance. “He’s got fitter and stronger and his contest work is super, and it was great to see him go forward and hang on to a couple of marks and finish his work off and get some reward that way.”
