Daniel Stewart, Former Port Adelaide AFL Player, Dies at 37 2026

Former Port Adelaide AFL player Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37, the club confirmed on Saturday. The Power said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, which came as a “shock” to the entire football community.

Stewart played 36 AFL matches and kicked 31 goals for Port Adelaide between 2010 and 2013. The 200cm key forward was selected with pick No. 35 in the 2009 rookie draft and made his debut in round four against Geelong the following year.

Who Was Daniel Stewart?

Daniel Stewart was a towering key forward who joined Port Adelaide from North Adelaide in the SANFL. He had come through the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador before being drafted by the Power.

After being promoted to the senior list at the end of the 2009 season, Stewart made his AFL debut in 2010. He quickly became known for his marking and goal-kicking ability, booting a career-high four goals in a tense victory against Richmond in the final round of the 2010 season.

Career Highlights

• Played 36 AFL games for Port Adelaide (2010–2013)
• Kicked 31 career goals
• Selected with pick No. 35 in the 2009 rookie draft
• Made debut in round four, 2010, against Geelong
• Career-best four goals against Richmond in round 22, 2010

Reaction from Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson expressed the club’s condolences to Stewart’s family. “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.

Richardson also extended thoughts to Stewart’s friends, including 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,” he added.

The Impact on the AFL Community

The sudden death of a young former athlete resonates deeply across the AFL community. Stewart was only 37 and leaves behind a wife and two young sons, a reminder of the fragility of life even for those who appear physically invincible.

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from teammates, opponents, and fans alike. The football world has lost a talented player and a beloved father, husband, and friend.

What We Know So Far

The exact cause of death has not been released. The club has asked for privacy for the family during this difficult time. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles. A related thread runs through John Legend and Suede Lead the Week's Must-See Entertainment Guide.

What to Watch Next

As the football community mourns, further tributes are expected from former teammates and clubs. Port Adelaide may hold a memorial or moment of silence before their next match. Stewart’s family has requested privacy, and the club will likely provide updates as they become available. Earlier coverage in Blind Date Success: Easy Conversation and Lasting Impressions shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Siobhán McSweeney Takes Over Comfort Eating Podcast.

For now, fans and players alike are remembering a man who gave his all on the field and was taken far too soon. Our thoughts are with the Stewart family. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Hoy No Circula Saturday: Which Cars Can Drive on October 24. The same theme surfaces in Weight Cycling and Muscle Loss: The Hidden Risk of Yo-Yo Dieting, which takes a different angle.