Former Brisbane Lions player in critical condition after being crushed by excavator

Former Brisbane Lions player Aaron Shattock is in hospital with life-threatening chest and abdominal injuries after he was pinned under an excavator on his Gold Coast property for an unknown period.

Emergency services arrived at the Worongary property about 1.30pm on Sunday to find the 44-year-old former premiership player trapped under the heavy machine.

Aaron Shattock and Hawthorn’s Nathan Lonie in 2002, the year the Brisbane Lions won the AFL grand final.Credit: Sebastian Costanzo

Shattock had been working on the property when the digger rolled and trapped him underneath “for a while”, a Queensland Police spokesman said.

Paramedics said Shattock suffered major life-threatening injuries to his chest. He was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, where he was placed in an induced coma.

Shattock, a midfielder who made his AFL debut with the Brisbane Lions in 2000, was part of the 2002 premiership team.

He spent four years with the Lions – playing during the Lions’ triple premiership era across 2001, 2002, and 2003 – followed by two years at Port Adelaide.

He retired from the AFL after the 2006 season, moving to Queensland and spending over a decade with Labrador in the Queensland AFL, where he eventually took on the role of coach for the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

“On behalf of the Labrador Australian Football Club, we send our thoughts, love and prayers to the Shattock family during this challenging time,” the Labrador 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.

“‘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 Brisbane Lions said former teammates and fans were “in a collective state of shock and sadness” over the news, and wished Shattock a speedy recovery.

Carlton coach and triple premiership Brisbane captain Michael Voss said Shattock was “a ripping good fella” and “an outstanding teammate”.

“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.

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