AFL world in shock following ‘sudden’ death of former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart, aged 37

The AFL world is in shock following the sudden death of former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart.

Stewart, who played for the Power between 2010 and 2013, died on Friday, at the age of just 37.

The club released a statement on Saturday afternoon while Laura Stewart, his wife and mother of two children, confirmed the sad news.

“Devastated to confirm the loss of our world. A heart too big for this world. We love you so much daddy. Please respect our privacy as we navigate this incredible loss and prioritise our boys 💙💙.”

Port Adelaide great and Channel 7 expert Kane Cornes, a former teammate of Stewart’s, said he was shattered.

“A true tragedy,” Cornes said.

“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.”

In a statement, the club said it was “deeply saddened” by Stewart’s sudden passing, and called his tragic death “devastating”.

Stewart played 36 games and kicked 31 goals for the Power between 2010 and 2013.

He joined Port Adelaide in the 2009 rookie draft and was promoted to the senior list at the end of that season.

He was a 200cm key forward, recruited from North Adelaide in the SANFL after previous stints at the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said Daniel’s passing had “come as a shock to everyone at the club”.

“On behalf of everyone at the Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend our deepest condolences to Daniel’s family including his mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, his two sons Bernie and Lando and his brother Leigh,” Richardson said.

“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.

“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.

“We will honour Daniel by wearing black armbands in our first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027.”

The club has asked that the privacy of Stewart’s family be respected at this difficult time.

As news of his death spread, fans were quick to pay tribute.

Respected sports reporter Daniel Cherny said: “This has floored me. What a lovely guy who first bravely opened up about his mental health issues 10 years ago and has done such great work in fitness. Always so much warmth. Heartbreaking.”

And a friend said: “Omg I’m in shock. Daniel Stewart was a lovely guy and one of my favourites at North Adelaide Football Club. He will be missed by a lot of people. My condolences to Laura and the kids and his parents and brother. RIP Daniel xoxo.”

And another: “RIP to a great man, gone too soon.”

“Gutting. Had only just admired a post from Matty Thomas about their friendship yesterday. Just awful,” another fan said.

And another: “He was absolute great fella off the field. Rip Dan.”

And another: “So sad, he was a lovely young man. Condolences to his family.”