Battle brewing for tell-all Laidley book

Former AFL coach Dani Laidley is reportedly considering penning a tell-all book about her life, with a battle brewing for publishing rights.

Dani Laidley is considering penning a tell-all book which publishers say would be a “walk-up bestseller”. Picture: Media Mode

A potential “walk-up bestseller” about the extraordinary life story of former AFL coach Dani Laidley has the publishing world in a frenzy.

Word has filtered out that Laidley is considering revealing all in a deeply personal autobiography.

The former North Melbourne premiership player is in the process of gender transitioning.

It is understood Laidley wants to share her story, but would do so when the time was right and after consultation with those closest to her.

Foremost for the father of three is the consultation, blessing and support from her family.

Laidley and her powerful management company TLA are believed to have been approached about publishing her life story.

Those close to Laidley confirmed she was prioritising her family, and mental health and wellbeing.

Laidley, pictured during a Carlton Blues AFL media session at Ikon Park in 2015, is considering penning a tell-all book.

The book is yet to get the green light, but Australia’s leading publishing houses are jostling for position given the interest such a tell-all would generate.

Sources within literary circles say Laidley’s gender journey could be an inspirational story for many, broadening people’s understanding of the daily challenges those within the transgender community face.

The former AFL coach’s life decisions, which led to Dean becoming Dani, were cast into the public arena last year. Images and a mugshot of the 54-year-old wearing a blonde wig and make-up while in police custody were leaked and splashed in the media.

The breach of privacy by members of Victoria Police happened following Laidley’s arrest in May last year amid allegations of stalking and committing an indictable offence while on bail, among other charges.

Key football figures led by Laidley’s ex-teammate Anthony Stevens have been constant supporters in recent times.

David King and Brent Harvey, who played in the Kangaroos’ 1996 premiership team with Laidley, rallied to the former North Melbourne coach.

Laidley, who also played for West Coast, has also had the support of ex-Eagles mentor Mick Malthouse.

Laidley (left) celebrates North Melbourne’s 1996 Premiership win with teammates.

Laidley was granted bail to attend a Geelong rehabilitation clinic after a court heard she had issues with mental health and substance abuse and was in the process of gender transitioning.

Defence lawyer Rob Stary said in court last year that Laidley’s life was in turmoil. Stary later said Laidley had completed a drug rehabilitation program and wanted her experience to aid others in the transgender community.

“That’s what she wants to do, she wants to be able to utilise that experience in a positive way,” Stary said in November.

Growing up in the working-class Perth suburb of Balga, Laidley quickly earned the nickname “Junkyard Dog” for the intensity the scrawny halfback displayed when playing for the Eagles.

Crossing to the Kangaroos in 1993, Laidley became senior coach of the Shinboners in 2003.

Laidley coached North to a preliminary final in 2007 and after stepping down in 2009 served as an assistant at Collingwood, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Carlton.

Earlier this year, Laidley filed a lawsuit against Victoria Police for negligence over the leaking of photos of her taken in custody, alleging officers acted with malice and used derogatory language to describe her in internal messaging.

Six officers were each ordered to pay Laidley between $1000 and $3000 in compensation after her mugshot was leaked. They are now on 12-month good behaviour bonds.

Laidley is to appear in court later this month after being charged with a court-imposed order.

Her story from player and AFL coach to becoming a woman could be set for a late 2023 release.