Aaron Shattock remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after he was placed in an induced coma following an accident on his property on Sunday.

The former Brisbane Lions star was left fighting for his life after he had been crushed by an excavator.

7News claimed the 44-year-old father of three was ‘driving the digger’ before it rolled over, with Shattock becoming trapped under the machinery. Emergency services had used a hydraulic rescue tool to free him from the digger before Shattock was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

His family have broken their silence on the incident, releasing a statement on Christmas Day via the Labrador Football Club, to thank those who have sent messages of support to the former Brisbane and Port Adelaide player.

‘The Shattock family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and kindness shown to Aaron during this incredibly challenging time,’ the family statement read.

‘Your compassion has provided him – and our entire family – with the strength and hope to keep fighting.

Aaron Shattock’s family have provided an update on the former Brisbane Lions star’s condition

Shattock suffered serious injuries after he became trapped under an excavator while working on his own property on Sunday

‘Aaron remains in critical but stable condition and we are holding on to hope with each passing day.

‘We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and express our sincerest appreciation for your continued care and support.

‘With love, The Shattock Family.’

Shattock, a premiership winner, made his debut for the Lions back in 2000.

He’d go on to help the club win the 2002 Grand Final, coming on as an interchange to see his side defeat Collingwood.

The 6ft 2in midfielder would go on to play 57 games for Brisbane, before joining up with Port Adelaide in 2005.

He’d later be delisted by the club in 2006, going on to retire from AFL football and join Labrador in the Queensland Australian Football League.

After the incident, messages of support have been flooding in for Shattock and his family.

Shattock (left) won the 2002 premiership with the Lions, helping them defeat Collingwood in the Grand Final

He’d later go on to join Port Adelade before retiring from AFL football in 2006 after being delisted

Triple premiership winner Michael Voss described the midfielder as a ‘ripping good fella’.

He told Brisbane’s club website: ‘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.’

Brisbane Lions released a statement on Sunday night to state that the former football player had undergone emergency surgery.