Tony Modra has undergone two operations and is out of intensive care as the Adelaide AFL great starts the long recovery from a freak accident.
Modra's family and his good friend, former Crows teammate Mark Ricciuto, gave updates on Monday in the wake of the truck accident last week that could have killed him.
"Over the past four days, during which Anthony has twice undergone surgery, he has made encouraging progress," Modra's family said in a statement.
"However, we are still working through the extent of his injuries and as a family, we are in a very challenging period. There's a long road ahead."
The family thanked the first responders and medical staff who had helped Modra. They also paid tribute to his son Luke, whose quick thinking helped emergency services, and daughter Hayley, who was first to the hospital.
