Former Port Adelaide player Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37 after suffering an unexpected medical episode.
Stewart, who played 36 games for the Power between 2010 and 2013, died on Friday. He later became a gym owner, opening several Body Fit Training locations across Melbourne with his close friend and former team-mate Matt Thomas.
Members of the BFT community were informed of his death by email on Saturday morning. The organisation described Stewart, known as “Snowy”, as a much-loved owner, friend, husband and father.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we share the sudden passing of our dearly loved owner and friend, Daniel Stewart (Snowy), after an unexpected medical episode yesterday,” the email said.
“Snowy is so deeply loved by all who knew him; an incredible husband, father, friend, business partner to Matty, and a beloved part of the BFT community.”
Stewart’s wife, Laura, shared a tribute 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 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.
Richardson also paid tribute to Stewart’s former team-mates, friends and colleagues at North Adelaide and Labrador, adding: “Daniel was part of the Port Adelaide football family, and he always will be.”
Port Adelaide said it would support those affected by the death and honour Stewart by wearing black armbands in its first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027.
Thomas had posted a photograph of the pair on Friday, apparently after a workout, celebrating 17 years of friendship. “From teammates to business partners, to dads – and still each other’s biggest motivators,” he wrote.
Stewart was selected in the 2009 Rookie Draft after playing for North Adelaide in the SANFL, having also come through the Eastern Ranges and Labrador. The 200cm forward made his AFL debut against Geelong in 2010 and kicked a career-best four goals against Richmond later that season.
Former Port Adelaide player and commentator Kane Cornes described Stewart as “a brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face”.
“He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family,” Cornes said.
Stewart had previously spoken about experiencing anxiety after serious shoulder and hip injuries affected his football career. He said treatment, family support and sessions with a life coach helped him through that period.
