- Brisbane Lions great was on the verge of death in December
- He was run over by a bulldozer at his Queensland home.
The family of Brisbane Lions premiership winner Aaron Shattock has revealed he is still sedated and in intensive care more than two weeks after he nearly died when he was crushed by an excavator at his Queensland home.
The 44-year-old father-of-three was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital on December 22 with multiple life-threatening chest injuries after being freed by emergency services.
'Aaron remains sedated and in intensive care at GCUH. “Yesterday he had surgery for his fractured ribs and broken/dislocated arm, which was successful,” the star's family said in a statement Thursday.
'We are hopeful for his recovery and will provide further updates as he progresses.
'Our family is deeply grateful for everyone's continued support, love and prayers.
“Your kindness means a lot to us and continues to give us strength during this time.”
The family of AFL premiership winner Aaron Shattock (pictured) has revealed he is still in intensive care after being crushed by an excavator in December.
The Lions star (pictured playing for Brisbane in 2002) underwent surgery for his fractured ribs and broken and dislocated arm.
Shattock played 57 games for Brisbane between 2000 and 2004.
Most notably, he appeared as an interchange during the 2002 grand final, helping the Lions beat Collingwood for their second consecutive premiership.
He would later move to Port Adelaide where he would make 11 appearances before being delisted from the club in 2006.
Emergency services were reported to have arrived at the accident site at around 2pm and had to use the jaws of life to free Shattock, who remained trapped under the excavator for some time.
Police were also understood to have been investigating the incident.
After retiring from the AFL, Shattock moved to the Gold Coast and would take up the role of player-coach at QAFL's Labrador.
He eventually became the club's senior coach.
Once the news broke, Shattock's former Lions teammate, triple premiership winner Micahel Voss, described him as a “good guy” and told the club's website: “I can't believe it. “It's terrible any time, but right before Christmas.” worse. Our prayers are with him and his family.”
The Labrador club released the following tribute: '”Shatts” is much loved by his family, his friends and the entire Labrador community. A true Labrador person and life member. Aaron has been an important part of our club since 2007, as a player, assistant coach, senior coach and committee member. “His passion for our club is incomparable and his presence is deeply valued.”