AFL world rallies around Brisbane premiership player Aaron Shattock after awful accident

Brisbane Lions premiership player Aaron Shattock is fighting for his life in a Gold Coast hospital after a freak accident saw him crushed by an excavator. The 44-year-old - who played in Brisbane's 2002 AFL Grand Final win over Collingwood - has reportedly been placed in an induced coma at Gold Coast University Hospital after the excavator he was driving tipped over and left him trapped underneath.

Former Lions teammate and triple premiership-winner Michael Voss is among those who've expressed their shock and sadness after hearing the awful news about Shattock, who he described as “a ripping good fella” and “an outstanding teammate”. It's understood Shattock was driving the excavator on his property on Sunday when it rolled and left him trapped underneath, causing the 44-year-old to suffer severe and life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services were called to the scene and had to use a hydraulic rescue tool known as 'the jaws of life' to pry the former AFL star free of the wreckage. “It’s understood Shattock was driving the digger when it rolled, trapping him underneath,” Seven News reported. “Emergency services had to use the jaws of life to free the 44-year-old before he was taken to hospital with severe chest injuries.”

Aaron Shattock in an induced coma after undergoing surgery

Shattock's local footy club Labrador confirmed he'd been placed into an induced coma and was in a critical condition, having undergone emergency surgery for his injuries on Sunday night. Shattock will be monitored closely in the coming days and the club says it will provide further details when they come to light after describing the father-of-three as a beloved member of the community and extending their thoughts to his wife and kids.

“On behalf of the Labrador Australian Football Club, we send our thoughts, love and prayers to the Shattock family during this challenging time,” the club said on Sunday night. “We can confirm that Aaron was involved in an excavator accident on his property on Sunday afternoon. He is currently in an induced coma at Gold Coast University Hospital, where he will remain under observation in the coming days.

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“’Shatts’ is dearly loved by his family, friends and the entire Labrador community. A true Labrador person and life member, Aaron has been a significant part of our club since 2007 - as a player, assistant coach, senior coach and committee member. His passion for our club is unmatched, and his presence is deeply valued. Our thoughts are with Aaron’s family, and we kindly ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time. The club will provide further updates when appropriate.”

Shattock played 68 games for Brisbane and Port Adelaide, including the 2002 premiership triumph with the Lions, before retiring from the AFL in 2006. He then moved to Queensland and spent more than a decade playing for Labrador in the QAFL, endearing himself to the local community.

Footy world rallies around Aaron Shattock after awful accident

Carlton coach and three-time Lions premiership legend Voss says the devastating news about his former teammate has left him in shock, as the footy world rallies around Shattock and his family. “I can’t believe it... it’s terrible at any time but just before Christmas is even worse. Our prayers are with him and his family," Voss said.