Former Port Adelaide forward Daniel Stewart dies aged 37

Daniel Stewart, a former Port Adelaide AFL player, died suddenly at the age of 37, the Port Adelaide Football Club confirmed on Saturday and said it was "deeply saddened" by the news that had come as a "shock".

Stewart played 36 AFL matches and kicked 31 goals for Port Adelaide between 2010 and 2013 after being selected with pick No 35 in the 2009 rookie draft. He was recruited from North Adelaide in the Sanfl, having come through the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador, and was promoted to the Power’s senior list at the end of the 2009 season.

The 200cm key forward made his AFL debut in round four of 2010 against Geelong. He recorded a career-high four goals in the final round of 2010 against Richmond, including two in the final term, helping Port Adelaide secure a tense victory.

"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," Port Adelaide chief executive, Matthew Richardson, said.

Former Port Adelaide teammate and current AFL analyst Kane Cornes also expressed his condolences. "A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face," Cornes said in a post on X. "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 club said it would provide support to those affected by Stewart’s passing, including his former teammates and the people who worked alongside him, and extended its 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.

Port Adelaide confirmed it will honour Stewart by wearing black armbands in its first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027.