Former Port Adelaide AFL player Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37, leaving his wife Laura and their two sons devastated. Stewart, who played for the club from 2010 to 2013 after being selected in the 2009 rookie draft, also opened a series of gyms with a former teammate after leaving the sport.
Club Mourns Former Player
Port Adelaide's chief executive Matthew Richardson issued a statement on Saturday expressing the club's deep sadness. Richardson said Stewart's death had "come as a shock to everyone at the club" and extended condolences to his family, including his mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, his two sons Bernie and Lando, and his brother Leigh.
Richardson also acknowledged Stewart's close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas, as well as those at North Adelaide and Labrador who knew him. He described Stewart as part of the Port Adelaide football family, adding that the club would provide support to those affected by his passing.
Family and Teammates Pay Tribute
Stewart's wife Laura shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting a photo of the family and writing: "Devastated to confirm the loss of our world. A heart too big for this world. We love you so much daddy." She requested privacy as the family navigates the loss.
Former teammate Kane Cornes also paid tribute, calling the news "a true tragedy" and describing Stewart as "a brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face." Cornes noted Stewart's thriving business and his special friendship with Matt Thomas.
The club will honour Stewart by wearing black armbands in their first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027.
