Aussie comedian and radio favourite, best known for his sharp humour, cheeky grin, and knack for lifting spirits on even the toughest days.

But the mood shifted dramatically last week when a charity footy match ended in a serious medical emergency that left him battered, bruised, and recovering in ICU.


The 54-year-old funnyman, Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes was taking part in the AFL Legends Match for Prostate Cancer at Marvel Stadium.

This star-studded event brought together former AFL greats, premiership captains, and a handful of brave celebrities.

The night was all about raising money for a good cause, but for Hughesy, it ended with five broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a trip to the hospital that he won’t soon forget.


The match itself was a spectacle, with more than 30,000 fans packing the stands and nearly $1 million raised for the Australian Prostate Centre.

Hughesy, never one to shy away from a challenge, laced up his boots and joined the Victorian and All Stars teams.

But things took a turn when he copped a brutal hit from former West Coast Eagle Andrew Embley.

Despite the pain, Hughesy soldiered on—he even managed to kick a goal and party with the rest of the crew until 2 am!

It wasn’t until the early hours of Friday morning that the seriousness of his injuries became clear.

'I’m lying in a hospital bed and it’s hard to breathe,' Hughesy shared on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick.

'I was groaning in the morning, and my wife said, "We’ve got to go to the hospital",’, and I said, "I can’t get out of bed!"'

We drove to the hospital. There’s not a lot of breath in me, guys, so I can’t talk too much.'

Hughesy, ever the joker, couldn’t resist poking fun at his own misfortune. On The Kyle & Jackie O Show, he claimed the other team had it out for him: 'So, I was the oldest player out there, but they had my name on a whiteboard.

‘Target Dave Hughes,' he laughed. 'You tell footballers what to do and they just do it because they’re robots. So it was hectic.'

He even joked that the whole ordeal could be turned into a miniseries—because if anyone can find the funny side of a punctured lung, it’s Hughesy.

Despite the serious injuries, Hughesy’s trademark humour and resilience shone through.

He’s now on painkillers and, in his own words, 'already feeling better'.

He’s even shared a video from his hospital bed on Instagram, updating fans and showing off his battle scars.

The outpouring of support has been huge, with fans and fellow celebs alike sending messages of encouragement and admiration.

'Well played game Hughesy, it was highly entertaining,' one fan wrote.

Another added, 'Rest up, great man! Surely someone’s dropped off the most courageous award after last night’s heroics.'

And, in true Aussie fashion, a third chimed in: 'I think your playing days are over. Wishing you a speedy recovery!'

While Hughesy’s injuries are no laughing matter, his story is a timely reminder of the risks involved in even the friendliest of sporting matches—especially as we get a little older.

Charity events like the AFL Legends Match do incredible work for causes like prostate cancer, but they can also be a bit rough and tumble, even for the fittest of us.

The real winner on the night was the Australian Prostate Centre, with almost $1 million raised to support research, treatment, and awareness.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, and events like this help fund vital work that saves lives. If you’d like to learn more or support the cause, check out the Australian Prostate Centre’s website.


Do you think Hughesy should hang up his boots for good, or is he a legend for playing through the pain? Share your thoughts, stories, and well-wishes for Hughesy in the comments below.

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