Danielle Laidley opens up on bold new life as a woman

Former AFL player and coach Danielle Laidley has spoken up about her ”rollercoaster” journey towards embracing life as a woman.

Former AFL coach and player Danielle Laidley has opened up on her new life as a woman, and the agony she went through on her “rollercoaster” journey.

In an exclusive interview with the Saturday Herald Sun, Laidley, 54, said after the heartache mid-last year of police leaking photos of her arrest, being found with drugs in her bra and charged with stalking, she was moving forward and focused on being happier and healthier.

She also wanted to be a champion for change, and inspire self-acceptance in others facing the same sexual identity and mental health challenges she experienced.

“It’s been tough at times. But I feel I am a much more rounded person,” Laidley said.

“I feel that I can let myself love and be loved now, instead of self-sabotaging in lots of different ways from an early age, right up until 18 months ago.”

Danielle Laidley returned to North Melbourne last week and was welcomed with open arms. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Danielle Laidley is focused on moving forward. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Laidley was embraced on her recent return to North Melbourne Football Club, and gained plaudits for a heartfelt speech at a transgender forum in regional Victoria.

“Not only the messages of support but the messages from parents of transgender children and the impact that last Friday had has absolutely blown me away,” she said.

“I want to raise awareness of transgender people to live life without barriers. It’s very important to me, and not just the transgender person themselves, but also their families for the support and counsel required to adapt to change.”

In the Herald Sun photo shoot, Laidley celebrated her femininity, donning a fitted dress, leather pants, black stilettos and a cleavage-revealing frilly blouse.

Read the full, compelling interview with Dani Laidley and see the stunning photos inside VWeekend magazine in Saturday’s Herald Sun.