- Shattock crushed at Gold Coast property
- The Lions starred in the team’s first division victory in 2002.
Carlton AFL coach Michael Voss has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate Aaron Shattock as he fights for his life in an induced coma after being crushed by heavy earthmoving equipment at his home on Sunday.
Shattock, a 44-year-old builder and father of three, was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital with multiple life-threatening injuries to his chest and abdomen after the excavator rolled on him on Sunday afternoon.
The Brisbane Lions premiership winner is in intensive care and is believed to be cared for by his wife Claire and children Sadie, Cleo and Mitch.
Voss shared some emotional words about Shattock in a statement released by the Lions on Saturday night, calling him “a good guy” and “an outstanding teammate.”
‘I can’t believe it… it’s terrible at any time but right before Christmas it’s even worse. Our prayers are with him and his family,” Voss said.
Emergency services workers had to use hydraulic equipment to remove the excavator from Shattock, according to a Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman, and a Queensland Police spokesperson added that it was trapped under the equipment “for a time.”
Brisbane premiership winner Aaron Shattock (pictured) is fighting for his life in a Gold Coast hospital after being trapped beneath an excavator that rolled on top of him on Sunday.
Shattock’s former Lions teammate Michael Voss (pictured) praised his friend as a “good guy” as he reacted to the “terrible” news.
It is understood that emergency services arrived at the scene shortly before 2pm (AEDT).
Police are also understood to be investigating the incident.
The Labrador Tigers Football Club, of which Shattock is a life member after starring as a player and coach of the team, also issued a statement on Sunday.
“We send our thoughts, love and prayers to the Shattock family during this difficult time,” the statement read.
‘We can confirm that Aaron was involved in an accident with an excavator on his property on Sunday afternoon. He is currently in an induced coma at Gold Coast University Hospital, where he will remain under observation for the next few days.
‘”Shatts” is loved by his family, 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 unparalleled and his presence is deeply valued.”
Pictured: The aftermath of the accident that left Shattock in an induced coma
Shattock (left) is pictured with former teammate turned Geelong AFL coach Chris Scott after starring in the Lions’ 2002 grand final victory.
Premiership winner 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 to record their second consecutive first-place finish.
He would later move to Port Adelaide where he would make 11 appearances before being delisted from the club in 2006.
Shattock also won the AFLQ Grand Final with Brisbane in 2001.
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 would eventually become the club’s senior coach.