EXCLUSIVE: AFL legend Dani Laidley reveals the shock way her children found out she had transitioned with never-before-seen Snapchat photos in extraordinary tell-all documentary

Dani Laidley has revealed how her family discovered her true gender identity after she accidentally sent them never-before-seen photos on Snapchat.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal it in the Stan Original documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribesthe former AFL star admits her daughters found out after she sent the photos to them in 2019.

In the images, Dani is dressed in a white T-shirt dress and black thigh-high boots, with her large dreamcatcher tattoo on her thigh clearly visible.

Other photos show her sporting extensive makeup with false eyelashes and dark brown lipstick. She also wears a long, blonde wig.

The ex-North Melbourne coach, 56, explains in the tell-all documentary that she kept her identity a secret from her family when the photos were accidentally sent.

“I started living my life more or less as I do, with a small group of friends, but not in the presence of my children,” she says.

“I would do my very best to keep the two very separate.”

Dani talks about the moment her daughters received the images that she lived alone and often used the app to keep in touch with them.

‘I learned to use Snapchat. Because that’s mainly how I communicated with the girls every day,” she reveals.

“And one Sunday morning I learned how to do it. I didn’t have my glasses on…

“Instead of hitting save, I hit send. They have pictures of me.’

Dani admits she takes “full responsibility” for sending the images, adding that it happened during her battle with drug addiction.

The former West Coast Eagles star also confirmed that her daughters have stopped all contact with her following the incident.

However, Dani and her son Kane continue to maintain a close relationship.

“The girls had no idea… There were reasons why it happened: mental health, the drug use…” says Dani.

‘From that moment on I had no contact with the girls anymore.’

The following year, Dani fell into depression.

“I was in a very toxic situation with everything that was going on. I wasn’t in a good head space,” she says.

“I started thinking about how people would be better off without my presence.”

Dani later reveals that she attempted suicide.

The documentary shows the poignant moment as told by Dani and her childhood sweetheart Donna Leckie’s former housemate Jada, who was in their home at the time.

In 2020, Dani’s life took a turn for the worse when she was arrested on stalking charges amid a battle with drug addiction.

A Victorian police officer leaked photos to the media of Dani in custody, who released her publicly before coming out to family and friends.

In the anticipated documentary, she speaks candidly about her life as a closeted transgender woman, her arrest and how she has found her true self over the past three years.

‘It is with nervous anticipation that I share my story with Australia. It hasn’t been the easiest road, but I’ve made some cherished memories and met some amazing people along the way,” says Dani.

“This story won’t pack a punch; you will see me at my lowest and at my highest, surrounded by those I care about most and who have stood by me through it all.

“My Truth is becoming increasingly common in today’s society and highlights the need for greater inclusivity, understanding and acceptance.”

The AFL great said she is ready to tell her story with her partner Donna by her side.

Donna was a lifelong friend of Danielle’s, and when she was at her lowest, the two reconnected and began a romantic relationship.

The Stan documentary, premiering September 19, navigates their path forward during a critical twelve months under public scrutiny.

It also chronicles Danielle’s childhood in a working-class area of ​​Perth, using personal archival material including photographs, diaries and videos.

Viewers will also see her rise in footy.

She is best known for a highly successful men’s football career, making 151 appearances for the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne football clubs, including an AFL premiership with the Kangaroos in 1996.

She became one of the league’s youngest ever head coaches at the age of 36, taking charge of North Melbourne for 149 games in seven seasons from 2003 to 2009, before taking on other coaching roles at the Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Carlton football clubs .

Cailah Scobie, Stan’s Chief Content Officer, said she’s glad Danielle trusted Stan to help tell her “powerful story.”

“It is an extremely important issue that demands to be heard,” she said.

“And we believe audiences will be inspired by Danielle’s fascinating journey.”

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In case of emergency you can call 000.

The Stan Original documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes doesn’t premiere until September 19 Stan.