In a heartfelt revelation, AFL icon Danielle Laidley has disclosed her diagnosis of a "very rare" brain tumour that necessitates urgent surgery. The 58-year-old former North Melbourne star and coach has been grappling with health issues that began with persistent headaches late last year, leading to the discovery of a subependymoma—a benign tumour located on her spinal cord.
Laidley's journey began in October 2024 when she started experiencing severe headaches that prompted her to seek medical attention. After a series of scans and MRIs, doctors confirmed the presence of the tumour, which left her contemplating the worst-case scenarios. "It was as blunt as 'you have a brain tumour, here's a referral, off you go,'" Laidley recounted on The Imperfects podcast. "Donna and I went really quiet. 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." The shocking news hit Laidley like a sledgehammer, forcing her to consider what she needed to do to wind up her affairs.
Despite the initial shock, Laidley found some comfort in the fact that her surgeon assured her the tumour was not life-threatening. "I can sit here today and use a quote from my surgeon: it's not going to kill me, but being on my spinal cord, it has to come out," she explained. "It's sort of like walking around with a stone in your shoe. Some days it really hurts and other days it's OK." This metaphor encapsulates the daily struggle Laidley faces as she prepares for surgery.
After a three-week wait for confirmation of her diagnosis, Laidley and her partner, Donna Leckie, were relieved to learn that the tumour was benign. However, the location of the tumour poses risks, as it could obstruct cerebrospinal fluid flow and exert pressure on her spinal cord, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.
Laidley's health scare has taken a toll on her professional life as well. Known for her advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community and her work with diversity initiatives, Laidley had to cancel an appearance at the Daylesford Chillout Festival due to her health issues, stating, "I just couldn’t get out of bed." This prompted her to publicly address her condition for the first time, emphasizing the importance of sharing her experience. "I think it’s probably time not to keep it private but to put it out there like I’ve probably done with the rest of my life, to let people know and understand you can have these things but with the right care and empathy and team around you everything’s going to be OK," she remarked.
Laidley's return to coaching in the AFLW was cut short when she missed out on roles with the Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles. Instead, she has turned her attention to analyzing football for The West Australian newspaper and promoting a documentary chronicling her life. Her resilience and commitment to her passions remain unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
Throughout her illustrious career, Laidley has made significant contributions to Australian football. She debuted in the VFL/AFL in 1987 with West Coast before moving to North Melbourne in 1993, where she played a pivotal role in the club's 1996 premiership success. After retiring in 1997, she transitioned into coaching, serving as the senior coach of North Melbourne from 2003 to 2009.
Laidley's journey has not been without its challenges. In 2020, she faced legal troubles that brought her personal struggles into the public eye, including a battle with drug addiction and issues surrounding her gender identity. Following the leak of private photos by Victoria Police, Laidley received an apology from Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton, who expressed his dismay at the officers' actions.
Despite these setbacks, Laidley has emerged as a role model for many, advocating for those in the LGBTQIA+ community and raising awareness about mental health issues. Her story is a testament to resilience, and she hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges.
As Laidley prepares for surgery, she reflects on her journey with a mix of apprehension and optimism. "You start to think, 'Well, what do I need to do to wind everything up?' and that sort of stuff. That took its toll, so to hear that was good. But then every now and again I’ll think, 'gee, I’ve got a brain tumour,' which is the downside of it. But the upside is, a great upside, it can be fixed and we can get on with our life," she concluded.
In a world where sports figures often face immense pressure to maintain a facade of strength, Laidley’s candidness about her health challenges serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of seeking support. As she embarks on this next chapter, fans and the broader community rally around her, hoping for a swift recovery and a return to the vibrant life she has always led.
