Comedian Dave Hughes was hospitalised with five broken ribs and a punctured lung after the AFL Legends match on Thursday night, with footy great Brendan Fevola branding one hit a 'dog act'. The 54-year-old played for Victoria against the All Stars at Marvel Stadium and was repeatedly knocked to the ground by former players including Mitch Robinson and Andrew Embley.
Hughes was rushed to Cabrini Hospital by his wife Holly at 5am on Friday. Speaking from intensive care on Triple M's Mick in the Morning show, he revealed: 'I've got five broken ribs and a punctured lung.' He said the injury likely occurred in the first quarter when Embley hit him from the side after he dropped a chest mark. Later, Dan Gorringe slammed him in the ruck and Robinson hit him after he kicked a goal, leaving him wondering, 'Am I going to die out here?'
Hughes' wife Holly told Fox's Fifi, Fev & Nick show that she woke at 5am to find him moaning in pain and considered calling an ambulance. She confirmed three cracked ribs and a slightly punctured lung. Fevola, who played alongside Hughes, accused Robinson of a 'brutal off-the-ball hit', adding: 'Just a dog act, that was.'
Despite his injuries, Hughes played the full match and attended the after-party until 2am, though he is teetotal. AFL great Nick Riewoldt called his effort 'one of the toughest things we've seen on a football field'. All Stars coach Shane Crawford was recorded before the match lightheartedly telling his players to target Hughes.
