Former AFL player and coach Danielle Laidley has revealed a shocking diagnosis: she has a benign brain tumour that necessitates surgery. The beloved figure in the Australian Football League (AFL) shared her news on the podcast "The Imperfects" on Monday, March 31, 2025, explaining that she has been suffering from headaches since October 2024. The diagnosis, which felt like a sledgehammer blow, has prompted an outpouring of support from the AFL community.
Laidley, 58, described the moment she received her diagnosis as a life-altering experience. "It was as blunt as 'you have a brain tumour, here’s a referral, off you go,'" she said. "Donna and I went really quiet, and for Donna to be quiet, you’ve got to understand something’s not normal. We drove back in the car and we didn’t speak for quite a while. At that point in time, we didn’t know what sort of brain tumour it was. When you say brain tumour, it’s like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer." This revelation came after a series of scans that identified a subependymoma, a rare type of benign tumour located near her spinal cord.
Despite the alarming nature of her diagnosis, Laidley expressed relief upon learning that the tumour is not life-threatening. "It’s not going to kill me, but being on my spinal cord it has to come out," she stated, likening the discomfort to "walking around with a stone in your shoe." Some days it hurts significantly, while others are manageable. "We walked out of there thinking well it is a brain tumour but we’re going to be okay," she added, relieved by the positive prognosis from her surgeon.
Laidley has had a storied career in AFL, having played 122 games for West Perth in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) and 99 games for North Melbourne in the AFL. She was part of the Kangaroos' premiership triumph in 1996 and later served as the club's coach from 2003 to 2009. Despite her success on the field, Laidley has faced significant personal challenges, including her public transition from male to female in 2020. She previously expressed feelings of embarrassment and shame throughout her life, but has since found acceptance and support from the wider AFL community.
In 2023, Laidley applied for the West Coast Eagles' AFLW coaching job but was unsuccessful. "It’s been a passion of mine and I’ve sort of been ready for about 12 months," she said regarding her desire to return to coaching. However, her recent health scare has forced her to step back from her community work, including a planned appearance at the ChillOut Festival Youth Muster, which she had to cancel due to her condition. "I just couldn’t get out of bed," she admitted, highlighting the impact of her health on her engagements.
Laidley’s journey has not only been about football; she has also become a prominent advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Her openness about her struggles with gender dysphoria and her experiences in the public eye, including a scandal involving leaked photos during a police incident, have made her a role model for many. "I had feelings from the age of five or six," she shared, reflecting on her early experiences with identity and acceptance. "Looking in the mirror and what I am seeing is not what I am feeling."
Her decision to share her diagnosis publicly is part of her commitment to authenticity. "It’s probably time not to keep private but to put it out there, like I’ve done with the rest of my life," Laidley said, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support for those facing health challenges. "With the right care and empathy and team around you, everything’s going to be OK." This sentiment resonates deeply, especially as Laidley navigates her health journey.
As Laidley prepares for surgery, she remains optimistic about the future. "The upside is a great upside, it can be fixed and we can get on with our life," she stated, reflecting on the support she has received from fans and the AFL community. Messages of encouragement have flooded in from supporters who admire her courage and resilience.
Laidley’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community support. As she faces this latest challenge, her journey continues to inspire many, both within and outside the realm of sports. The AFL community stands behind her, eager to see her return to health and her passions.
