Former Port Adelaide footballer Daniel Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37, prompting tributes from his former club, teammates and people connected to Australian rules football. Port Adelaide confirmed the news on 24 October 2026, describing his death as devastating and expressing condolences to his family and friends.

Stewart played 36 Australian Football League (AFL) matches for Port Adelaide between 2010 and 2013, kicking 31 goals during his four seasons with the club. Standing approximately two metres tall, he played as a key forward, a position that requires players to compete for marks, create scoring opportunities and provide a target inside the attacking area.

His pathway to the AFL included playing for North Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). Before that, he developed through the Eastern Ranges and Labrador football programs. Port Adelaide selected him with the 35th pick in the 2009 rookie draft and promoted him to its senior list at the end of that year.

Stewart made his AFL debut against Geelong in round four of the 2010 season. Later that year, he recorded the best individual goal tally of his AFL career, kicking four goals against Richmond in the final round. His performance contributed to Port Adelaide securing a 10-point victory in the match played at Docklands.

Although his AFL career lasted four seasons, Stewart remained connected to the football community through his association with Port Adelaide and the clubs that helped develop him. Former teammates and football figures remembered him as a valued member of the group, with tributes highlighting his relationships with those who played and worked alongside him.

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson offered condolences to Stewart’s parents, Donna and Byron, his wife Laura, their two sons, Bernie and Lando, and his brother Leigh. The club also acknowledged his close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas, along with people from North Adelaide and Labrador who knew him.

Richardson said Stewart would always be part of the Port Adelaide football family. The club has also committed to supporting former teammates, coaches and staff affected by the news, recognising that the loss can have a significant impact on people who shared the experience of playing and working together.

Former Port Adelaide teammate Kane Cornes also paid tribute to Stewart, describing him as a caring teammate who brought a positive presence to the group. Cornes extended his sympathy to Stewart's family and reflected on the friendships and family life Stewart had built beyond professional football.

To honour Stewart's contribution to the club, Port Adelaide has announced that its players will wear black armbands during their first home game at Adelaide Oval in the 2027 season. The tribute will give supporters and members of the football community an opportunity to acknowledge his life and remember his time with the Power.

The club has asked that the privacy of Stewart's family be respected during this difficult period. No further details about the circumstances of his sudden death were provided in the reports cited here.

Stewart's passing is a significant loss for his family and the football community. The tributes reflect the connections he maintained throughout his career and the lasting relationships formed through Australian rules football.