Brisbane premiership player Aaron Shattock remains in a critical condition in hospital after being crushed by an excavator on the weekend.
The 44-year-old father of three was driving the digger on the Gold Coast on Sunday when it rolled, trapping him underneath.
Emergency services had to use the hydraulic rescue tool, also known as the jaws of life, to free the former AFL player.
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He was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital and placed in an induced coma.
Shattock’s family provided an update on his condition on Christmas Day.
Aaron Shattock is in hospital after being crushed by an excavator. Credit: 7NEWS / Getty “The Shattock family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and kindness shown to Aaron during this incredibly challenging time,” the statement said.
“Your compassion has provided him — and our entire family — with the strength and hope to keep fighting.
“Aaron remains in a critical but stable condition, and we are holding on to hope with each passing day.
“We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and express our sincerest appreciation for your continued care and support.”
The accident has shocked the AFL community with tributes pouring in.
Voss, who captained Shattock at the Lions and played together in the 2002 premiership, described his former teammate as “a ripping good fella”.
“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,” he added.
Shattock retired in 2006 after playing 68 games for Brisbane and Port Adelaide.
He started on the bench for the Lions in the famous 2002 decider when they beat Collingwood by nine points.
The midfielder’s time at Brisbane finished in 2004, after which he moved to the Power where he added another 11 games to the 57 he played at the Lions.
He then moved to Queensland to play for Labrador, where he spent over 10 years at the club.