Dave Hughes was photographed in Melbourne on Thursday as he recuperates from serious injuries sustained in a charity AFL Legends Game earlier this month, weeks after the comedian was hospitalised and appeared on television in a wheelchair.
Hughes, 54, suffered multiple broken ribs and a punctured lung following a heavy collision during the match but was pictured out with friend and fellow entertainer Ryan Shelton, dressed casually in a navy jumper, beige pants and Crocs while holding an iPad and waiting for an Uber. He left hospital just over a week ago after receiving treatment for his injuries.
The injuries occurred after a series of clashes during the exhibition match that involved former AFL players Andrew Embley, Daniel Gorringe and Mitch Robinson. Hughes told hosts on The Front Bar that he continued to play despite feeling in "mad trouble" and joked that he did not leave the field because "I'm a hero." He said he had "five broken ribs" in one sequence and acknowledged that his condition worsened overnight after the game.
Hughes said he had the option of taking an ambulance but declined, referencing a previous on-air mocking of AFL player Mitch McGovern for doing so. His wife later drove him to hospital, where doctors confirmed the extent of his injuries and started treatment. He has described ongoing breathing issues related to the lung injury, saying he still cannot take deep breaths and that "there's still a hole there." He also told radio listeners he had taken pain relief, adding that at times he groaned in the back of an Uber while recovering.
Gorringe has issued a public apology for the collision, telling 92.9 Triple M Breakfast that he was "so sorry for my little thump on you last night that has obviously caused so much damage," and praising Hughes for continuing in the match.
Hughes was wheeled onto The Front Bar earlier in his recovery to discuss the incident and his hospital stay. The All Stars side finished the exhibition match with an eight-point victory over Victoria.
Medical authorities and Hughes' representatives have not released further clinical details beyond the injuries already reported. Hughes' public appearance in Melbourne marks a visible step in his recovery, though he has said he remains in pain and is still managing the effects of the lung injury as he resumes outpatient life.