Former Port Adelaide AFL Player Daniel 'Snowy' Stewart Dies at 37

Former Port Adelaide AFL player Daniel 'Snowy' Stewart has died suddenly at the age of 37. Stewart, a 200cm forward who played 36 games for the Power between 2010 and 2013, is believed to have suffered a medical episode.

His best mate, Matthew Thomas, who played alongside Stewart at the club in 2013 before they went on to run a gym business together in Melbourne, paid tribute to his "shooting star" friend. "We were never just friends, we were always family, and life will never be the same without you," Thomas stated. "You never know when something might be the last time. I wish we'd known. Love you forever, Snowy."

Stewart's wife, Laura, also shared a poignant message on social media. "Devastated to confirm the loss of our world. A heart too big for this world. We love you so much daddy," she wrote alongside a family photo featuring their two young sons, Bernie and Lando.

In memory of Stewart, his sister-in-law Claire Madden has launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $65,000 to support his wife and children. The fund has already garnered approximately $39,000, with one anonymous donor contributing $10,000.

"I have started this page so that we can all rally around Laura and the boys, Bernie and Lando, during this profoundly difficult time," Ms Madden said. "We are all completely heartbroken by the immense loss of Daniel Stewart, fondly known to so many of us as 'Snowy.' Daniel was the definition of a devoted husband, a deeply loving father, a cherished son, brother, uncle and a loyal, true friend to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His warmth, kindness, and dedication to his family left an indelible mark on all of our hearts, and his absence leaves a void that words cannot begin to fill."

Just hours before his passing, Thomas had posted a photo of himself and Stewart after a workout, captioning it: "17 years of friendship. From teammates to business partners, to dads - and still each other's biggest motivators."

Fellow Port Adelaide players and AFL figures shared their condolences. Chad Cornes commented, "Thinking of you all, mate. Snowy - what a great man." Warren Tredrea, Brad Ebert, Jackson Trengove, and Alipate Carlile also offered their support online.

Stewart was reportedly close with another late Power star, John McCarthy, who died in 2012 after falling from a hotel roof in Las Vegas. The day after Stewart's death, a photo of him with McCarthy and teammate Hamish Hartlett circulated online.

Port Adelaide Football Club's chief executive, Matthew Richardson, issued a statement expressing the club's shock and extending condolences to Stewart's family and friends. "Daniel was part of the Port Adelaide football family, and he always will be," Richardson stated. The club announced plans to wear black armbands in their first home game in 2027 to honor Stewart.

After concluding their AFL careers, Stewart and Thomas established several Body Fit Training gyms across Melbourne. Stewart had previously spoken publicly about his struggles with anxiety in 2013, following injuries that impacted his performance and subsequent delisting from the club. In a 2016 interview, he described feeling lost after his football career ended, experiencing difficulty finding employment and ending a relationship. He credited treatment, family support, and life coaching for helping him overcome this period.

A spokesperson for Body Fit Training confirmed that gym members were notified of Stewart's death via email. "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 read. "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. Our hearts break for his family, for Matty, for his team who all have such close bonds with him, and for our community."