Dani Laidley praised after stepping out for major Kangaroos milestone

Former Kangaroos coach Dani Laidley has returned to North Melbourne as the club celebrated a milestone 34 years in the making.

Dani Laidley has returned to North Melbourne as the AFL club celebrated becoming debt-free for the first time in 34 years.

The former Kangaroos player and coach, who was part of their 1996 premiership-winning team, appeared at a press conference on Friday where North Melbourne announced its major financial milestone, finally wiping off the debt they’ve had since 1987.

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She attended the function with her partner, Donna.

In addition to being a premiership player, Laidley coached the Kangaroos from 2003-2009 and was at the club when it rejected a lucrative offer from the AFL in 2007 to relocate to the Gold Coast.

Key Kangaroos figures were on hand for the announcement. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Laidley and another former coach, Brad Scott, were among those to speak. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

About a decade ago, the Roos’ debt was around the $9 million mark but after years of hard work, they’re back in the black.

Laidley was thrilled to be on hand to celebrate the announcement and spoke about how she appreciated what the club had done for her after moving from West Coast, where she last played in 1992.

“I’m very proud today. It’s probably the first time I’ve represented my old tribe and my new tribe,” she said.

“(I’m) very happy to be here, very proud of the efforts and what has been achieved by everyone to look back now and say the right decision was made (not to relocate to Queensland).

“The club impacted my life in more ways than one. Every Shinboner supporter should be proud today.”

There were hugs all around to celebrate the milestone. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

North Melbourne president Ben Buckley was also proud of how far the Kangaroos have come and lauded Laidley for her contribution.

“She played in a premiership, coached the club and played almost 100 games here and has a lot of friends and past teammates,” Buckley said. “We reached out to Dani and embraced her and embraced her new chapter in her life.

“It’s just fantastic to see her here today and hear her speak about her memories of the footy club. It gives you a very warm feeling. Football clubs are very embracing of their people and we are here for Dani and she is an important part of our history.”

“This is a great day for the club. We are so proud of where we are and the way we’ve gone about eradicating this debt.

North Melbourne Kangaroos are debt free for the first time since 1987. 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/gA1i0DFasT

— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) November 18, 2021