EXCLUSIVE: Dani Laidley makes a stunning confession and reveals her biggest regret as she meets her ex-teammates for the first time since revealing footy’s most incredible secret

Dani Laidley has revealed the huge risk she took while still hiding her true self from family, friends and football stars while coaching at North Melbourne.

The new Stan Original Documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes shows the 56-year-old meeting former teammates and players for the first time since her struggle with her gender identity and transitioning to a woman became public.

Laidley receives a warm and emotional welcome from football greats Peter Bell, Matthew ‘Spider’ Burton and Adam Simpson, with the latter welcoming her into his home with a kiss on the cheek and the words: ‘It’s been a long time, mate.’

The former North Melbourne teammates from the club’s golden years in the 1990s are joined by two players Laidley coached – Drew Petrie and Daniel Pratt – for a very revealing chat.

During the get-together, the former Kangaroos star and coach revealed she flirted with revealing her true identity when she managed the club from 2003 to 2009.

“I went out a lot when I was coaching, and I knew it was high risk,” she tells her friends before explaining that she was dressed to reflect her true gender identity at the time.

‘What were you doing?’ asks Pratt. “Are you just being yourself?”

‘No, I was mine Real myself, me,” Laidley answers, pointing to her heart.

“I’ve always felt inside how I look now on the outside, always,” she continues.

“I’ve never heard you talk so much,” Pratt notes.

Laidley (pictured in 1998) reveals he risked exposing his double life to the world when coaching North Melbourne

The ex-Kangaroos boss (pictured with his assistant coach Darren Crocker in 2009) is given a warm welcome by his ex-teammates before they open their eyes.

‘You know why?’ Laidley answers. “This is therapeutic for me.

“I’ve never in my life been able to sit down and talk about everything in my life.

“It’s been so segmented, Pratty, and that’s why it’s been so hard. So what you see now is me.”

It’s just one of the poignant moments the group shares with Laidley as she opens up about the cost of hiding Footy’s biggest secret from those she was closest to.

“Any stress or if the gender thing comes up and you have to deal with it, I would put my head into my career,” she tells the group.

‘One day I was with my counselor and it just came out and I thought, “Oh f**k.”’

Dani’s teammates from North’s golden years in the 1990s – including current West Coast coach Adam Simpson (left), Matthew Burton (right) and Peter Bell – support her at their reunion

‘I was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, which I have carried with me forever, as long as I can remember.’

At one point, Peter Bell tells her that everyone in the room just wants her to be happy, before Burton asks if she has any regrets.

An emotional Laidley says: ‘The only thing I regret, Spi, is the way it came out and it scared my daughters away from me.’

The documentary also reveals the shocking way her children discovered she was transitioning, as well as the poignant moment she recounts her suicide attempt.

In 2020, Dani’s life spiraled out of control when she was arrested on stalking charges amid a battle with drug addiction.

Stan’s documentary (pictured) also reveals the shocking way Laidley’s children found out she had transitioned

A Victorian police officer leaked photos to the media of Dani in custody, who publicly exposed her before coming out to other family members 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 Stan Original documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes doesn’t premiere until September 19 Stan.