Former Port Adelaide forward Daniel Stewart has died at the age of 37, prompting tributes from the Australian rules football community and the club where he played senior AFL football between 2010 and 2013.
Port Adelaide confirmed Stewart’s passing on Saturday, expressing sadness at the loss of a former player who became part of the club’s history during four seasons with the Power. The club has also acknowledged the grief experienced by his family, former teammates, coaches and others who knew him throughout his football career.
From Rookie Draft to the AFL
Stewart joined Port Adelaide after being selected with pick No. 35 in the 2009 AFL Rookie Draft. Standing 200 centimetres tall, he developed into a forward option for the club and made his senior debut against Geelong in Round 4 of the 2010 season.
He played 36 AFL matches for Port Adelaide and scored 31 goals between 2010 and 2013. His first season included 11 appearances and 12 goals, with one of his most notable performances coming in the final round of 2010, when he kicked four goals against Richmond.
Before reaching the AFL, Stewart played for North Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League. His earlier football development included time with the Eastern Ranges and Queensland club Labrador.
His journey through those teams and into the AFL formed the foundation of a career that connected him with players and football communities across several levels of the game.
Port Adelaide Pays Tribute
Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson offered condolences to Stewart’s loved ones, including his parents, Donna and Byron; his wife, Laura; their sons, Bernie and Lando; and his brother, Leigh.
The club also recognized his connection with close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas, as well as people associated with North Adelaide and Labrador.
Stewart’s contribution to Port Adelaide extended beyond his playing statistics. His time with the club created relationships that remained part of his connection to the football community, and his death has been felt by those who shared that period of his life.
Club Plans a Mark of Respect
Port Adelaide has announced that players will wear black armbands during the club’s first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027 in memory of Stewart.
The planned tribute will provide an opportunity for the club and its supporters to acknowledge his place in Port Adelaide’s history. The organization has also said it will support former teammates, coaches, staff and others affected by the loss.
Cause of Death Not Announced
Although Port Adelaide described Stewart’s passing as sudden, the supplied announcement does not identify a specific cause of death. No medical explanation or further circumstances have been provided in the information available for this article.
Obituary: Daniel Stewart, 37, was a former Port Adelaide AFL forward who played 36 senior matches and kicked 31 goals for the club between 2010 and 2013.
Cause of Death: Not disclosed in the supplied announcement.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided about Port Adelaide’s announcement and Stewart’s football career. No cause of death or additional circumstances have been inferred.
Daniel Stewart will be remembered by Port Adelaide and the wider football community for his years with the Power and the relationships he built throughout the game. Condolences go to his wife, children, parents, brother, extended family, friends and former teammates as they mourn his passing.
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