Tributes flow for ‘brilliant, caring’ AFL player after death at 37
Updated . First published at
Former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart has died suddenly. He was 37.
Port Adelaide announced Stewart’s death and paid tribute to him in a statement on Saturday.
Daniel Stewart playing for Port Adelaide in 2012. Paul Kane/Getty Images
“The Port Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player Daniel Stewart, who died yesterday (on Friday) at the age of 37,” the statement said.
Stewart played 36 AFL games for the Power between 2010 and 2013.
The 200-centimetre key forward booted 31 goals across his four seasons in the AFL.
Port Adelaide picked him up from North Adelaide in the 2009 rookie draft, after he had come through the Eastern Ranges and AFL Queensland club Labrador.
On behalf of Port Adelaide, chief executive Matthew Richardson extended the club’s “deepest condolences” to Stewart’s family, including mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, their two sons, Bernie and Lando, and his brother Leigh.
“We also extend our thoughts to his friends, including his close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas, and to all those at North Adelaide and Labrador who knew him,” Richardson said.
“Daniel was part of the Port Adelaide football family, and he always will be.
“A sudden passing like this is devastating and our thoughts are with everyone who loved him, and with the teammates, coaches and staff who shared the journey with him here at Alberton.
“The club will provide support to those affected by Daniel’s passing, including his former teammates and the people who worked alongside him.”
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes, who played with Stewart at the Power, shared heartfelt words about his former teammate on social media.
“A true tragedy,” Cornes wrote on X.
Port Adelaide’s Daniel Stewart in action in 2012. Paul Kane/Getty Images
“A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face. I loved watching him and his beautiful family from afar. He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family.”
The Power will wear black armbands at their first home match of 2027 in honour of Stewart at Adelaide Oval.
His wife Laura confirmed the crushing news on social media.
“Devastated to confirm the loss of our world. A heart too big for this world. We love you so much daddy,” she wrote.
“Please respect our privacy as we navigate this incredible loss and prioritise our boys.”
