Former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart, who later became a gym owner, has died suddenly at the age of 37.
Stewart, who represented the Power from 2010 to 2013, died on Friday.
The following day, his wife Laura shared a heartbreaking tribute on social media alongside a family photograph featuring the couple’s two sons.
“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.”
Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said in a statement on Saturday that Stewart’s death had “come as a shock to everyone at the club”.
“On behalf of everyone at Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend our deepest condolences to Daniel’s family, including his mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, two sons Bernie and Lando and his brother Leigh,” he 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.
Former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37
Stewart’s wife Laura shared a heartbreaking tribute to him on social media alongside a family photograph of their two sons
“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.”
After his AFL career ended, Stewart and his close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas opened several Body Fit Training gyms across Melbourne.
Before news of Stewart’s death emerged, Thomas had posted a smiling photograph of the pair on Friday, apparently after a workout.
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“17 years of friendship. From teammates to business partners, to dads – and still each other’s biggest motivators,” the caption read.
“Still doing BFT classes because they work!!!! Respect the grind.”
Stewart’s close friend, business partner and former teammate Matt Thomas shared a smiling photograph of the pair on Friday, apparently after a workout
Stewart played 36 games for Port Adelaide during his career and kicked 31 goals.
The 200cm forward was selected in the 2009 Rookie Draft after playing with North Adelaide in the SANFL.
He had worked his way up through the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.
Stewart moved into Port’s senior list at the end of 2009 and made his AFL debut against Geelong in round four the following season.
His career-best haul of four goals came against Richmond in the final round of 2010.
Fellow former Port Adelaide star-turned-commentator Kane Cornes paid tribute to Stewart on Saturday afternoon.
‘A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face,’ he said on social media.
‘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.’
Beyond his achievements on the field and opening his gym franchise, Stewart had also spoken candidly about his battles with anxiety in 2013 when a serious shoulder and hip injury affected his performance as an athlete.
‘I felt like I had nothing. I lost my footy career… I couldn’t get a job, I broke up with my girlfriend,’ he told The Age in a 2016 interview, describing the moment he was de-listed.
‘I rang my mum and I started bawling my eyes out.’
Stewart took antidepressants for five months and credited treatment, family support and sessions with a life coach for helping him through the battle.