Former AFL star Daniel Stewart died suddenly on Friday with his wife Laura posting a heartbreaking tribute on social media alongside a photo of their family

A former AFL star has died suddenly aged just 37, with his wife and two children left 'devastated' by the loss. Aussie Rules player Daniel Stewart opened a series of gyms with a former teammate after leaving the sport.

Stewart played for Port Adelaide from 2010 to 2013 after being selected in the 2009 rookie draft. His former club's chief executive Matthew Richardson issued a statement on Saturday, saying The Power were 'deeply saddened' by the loss and that Stewart's death had "come as a shock to everyone at the club".

He said: “On behalf of everyone at the Port Adelaide Football Club, I extend our deepest condolences to Daniel’s family including his mum Donna, dad Byron, wife Laura, his two sons Bernie and Lando and his brother Leigh. “We also extend our thoughts to his friends, including his close friend and former teammate Matt Thomas, and to all those at North Adelaide and Labrador who knew him.

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“Daniel was part of the Port Adelaide football family, and he always will be. A sudden passing like this is devastating and our thoughts are with everyone who loved him, and with the teammates, coaches and staff who shared the journey with him here at Alberton.

“The club will provide support to those affected by Daniel’s passing, including his former teammates and the people who worked alongside him. We will honour Daniel by wearing black armbands in our first home game at Adelaide Oval in 2027.”

His wife Laura also took to social media to share her own tribute alongside a photo of her, Daniel and their two children.

She wrote: "Devastated to confirm the loss of our world. A heart too big for this world. We love you so much daddy.

"Please respect our privacy as we navigate this incredible loss and prioritise our boys."

Former Port Adelaide teammate Kane Cornes added: “A true tragedy. A brilliant and caring teammate who always had a smile on his face.

“I loved watching him and his beautiful family from afar. He built a thriving business and shared a special friendship with Matty Thomas. Heart goes out to his family.”