AFL star Danielle Laidley finally talks about shocking arrest that led to her being exposed as a transgender woman in new Stan documentary
AFL star Danielle Laidley has finally opened up about her tumultuous life in a new tell-all documentary on streaming service Stan.
In 2020, her life took a turn for the worse when she was arrested on stalking charges while battling drug addiction.
A Victorian police officer leaked photos to the media of Danielle in custody, who revealed she was transgender before coming out to her family and friends.
In a new Stan documentary called Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes, the 56-year-old speaks candidly about her life as a transgender woman in the AFL, her arrest and how she’s found herself over the past three years.
Of her new documentary, Danielle said: ‘It is with nervous anticipation that I share my story with Australia – it hasn’t been the easiest road, but I’ve made some fond memories along the way and met some incredible people.
AFL star Danielle Laidley (pictured) is finally candid about her tumultuous life in a new telling documentary
“This story makes no sense; you will see me at my lowest and at my highest, surrounded by those I care about most, who have stood by me through it all.
“My truth is becoming more prevalent in today’s society, highlighting the need for greater inclusiveness, understanding, and acceptance.”
The big AFL said she is ready to tell her story with her partner Donna Leckie by her side.
In 2020, her life took a turn for the worse when she was arrested on stalking charges amid a battle with drug addiction (pictured with her partner Donna)
Donna was a lifelong friend of Danielle’s, and when she was at her lowest point, the two got back together and started a romantic relationship.
The Stan documentary, which premieres September 19, navigates their ways forward in a critical 12 months under public scrutiny.
It also explores Danielle’s childhood in a working-class area of Perth, using personal archive material including photographs, magazines and videos.
Viewers will also see her rise in AFL.
She is best known for a highly successful AFL men’s soccer career, making 151 appearances for the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne soccer clubs, including an AFL premiership with the Kangaroos in 1996.
In a new Stan documentary called Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes, the 56-year-old speaks candidly about her life as a transgender woman in the AFL, her arrest and how she’s found herself over the past three years.
The documentary chronicles Danielle’s childhood in a working-class area of Perth, through personal archive material including photographs, magazines and videos.
She became one of the youngest-ever head coaches in the league at the age of 36, coaching North Melbourne for 149 matches in seven seasons from 2003 to 2009, before taking on other coaching roles at Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Carlton football clubs. .
Cailah Scobie, Stan’s chief content officer, said she’s delighted Danielle trusted Stan to help her tell her “powerful story.”
“It’s an extremely important one that needs to be heard,” she said.
“And we believe audiences will be inspired by Danielle’s fascinating journey.”
The Stan documentary, which premieres September 19, navigates their ways forward in a critical 12 months under public scrutiny