- Shattock was crushed to death on a Gold Coast estate
- Lions played a major role in the team’s 2002 premiership victory
Carlton AFL coach Michael Voss has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former teammate Aaron Shattock as he fights for life in an induced coma after being crushed by heavy earth-moving 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 chest and abdominal wounds after the excavator rolled over on him on Sunday afternoon.
The Brisbane Lions premiership winner is in intensive care and is believed to be watched over by his wife Claire and children Sadie, Cleo and Mitch.
Voss shared some emotional words about Shattock in a statement the Lions released Saturday night, calling him “a great guy” and “an excellent teammate.”
‘I can’t believe it… it’s terrible at any time, but just before Christmas it’s even worse. Our prayers are with him and his family,” Voss said.
Emergency services had to use hydraulic equipment to get the excavator off Shattock, a Queensland Fire Service spokeswoman said, with a Queensland Police spokesperson adding that it was stuck under the equipment for “a period of time”.
Brisbane premiership winner Aaron Shattock (pictured) is fighting for his life in a Gold Coast hospital after being pinned under an excavator that rolled over him on Sunday
Shattock’s former Lions teammate Michael Voss (pictured) called his friend a ‘heartbreaking good guy’ as he reacted to the ‘terrible’ news
It is understood emergency services arrived on the scene just before 2pm (AEDT).
Police are also reportedly investigating the incident.
The Labrador Tigers Football Club – of which Shattock is a life member after playing for the team as a player and coach – also released a statement on Sunday.
“We send our thoughts, love and prayers to the Shattock family during this challenging time,” the statement said.
“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 for the next few days.
‘Shatts’ is much 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 much appreciated.’
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 win
Premiership winner Shattock played 57 games for Brisbane between 2000 and 2004.
Notably, he came on as a substitute in the 2002 Grand Final and helped the Lions beat Collingwood to record their second successive premiership.
He would later move to Port Adelaide where he would make eleven appearances before being dropped by 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 a role as player-coach with QAFL side Labrador.
He would eventually become a senior coach at the club.