A 78-year-old great-grandmother has shared the extraordinary moment she came across AFL legend Tony Modra immediately after a serious crash in South Australia, describing how she held his hand and urged him to stay conscious while waiting for emergency services.

The woman was one of the first people at the scene and quickly realised the severity of the situation as Modra lay badly injured and bleeding following the incident.

In the panic and chaos of the moment, she reached for his hand and repeatedly told him to “squeeze, squeeze” in an effort to keep him responsive while help was on the way.

Her actions have since been described as a deeply human response in a traumatic situation, with the story resonating widely among sports fans and the broader community.

Tony Modra, one of South Australia’s most well-known AFL players, was reported to have sustained serious injuries in the crash, prompting a rapid emergency response.

According to the account, those first minutes at the scene were critical, with bystanders doing what they could to stabilise the situation before paramedics arrived.

The grandmother said she acted instinctively, focusing only on trying to comfort and keep him alert while everything unfolded around them.

Stories like this often highlight the unpredictable nature of road accidents and how quickly ordinary people can be placed in extraordinary circumstances.

Emergency responders consistently emphasise the importance of keeping injured victims calm and conscious where possible until professional help arrives.

In this case, the emotional support provided at the scene has drawn attention to the role bystanders play in the crucial early moments after a serious crash.

Modra’s condition and recovery details have not been fully outlined in the immediate reports, but the incident has already sparked concern and widespread discussion among fans.

The story has also renewed focus on road safety and the importance of rapid response in regional and urban crash situations.

For the woman involved, the experience remains a vivid and emotional memory of a moment where instinct and compassion took over in a crisis.

As more details emerge, the incident is likely to remain a significant talking point within both the sporting community and the public.