Dani Laidley Reflects on Regret Over Playing Decision Post-1996 Season in Emotional Interview
Dani Laidley has expressed regret over her decision to continue playing after the 1996 season, acknowledging it as her only significant regret in her football career. In an interview, she revealed the emotional toll of hiding her gender identity while coaching and emphasized the importance of listening to one's intuition regarding retirement from the sport.
Dani Laidley has shared insights into the concluding years of her notable AFL career, revealing a significant regret regarding her decision to extend her playing time. In an exclusive interview, Laidley discussed the challenges she faced while concealing her true identity during her coaching tenure at North Melbourne.
Laidley's Journey in Professional Football
Dani Laidley began her professional football career in 1997 with West Coast before transferring to North Melbourne in 1993. Over her time with the Kangaroos, she made 99 appearances and celebrated a Premiership victory in 1996. Laidley retired a year later and transitioned into coaching, first serving as an assistant at Collingwood under Mick Malthouse, and later returning to North Melbourne as the senior coach.
Regrets About Her Playing Career
Reflecting on her career, Laidley expressed regret about not retiring sooner. She noted that after a remarkable season in 1996, she should have ended her playing career then, rather than continuing for another year. In her column for The West Australian, she stated, "I wish I had of retired earlier than I did," emphasizing that the end of the grand final signaled the right moment for her to step away from the game.
The Impact of Her Decision
Laidley acknowledged that accepting a two-year contract with guaranteed money was a poor choice, leading to a season where she found herself disliking football. She advised current players to trust their instincts regarding their careers, stating, "My message to any player who may find themselves in a similar position is listen to your intuition. You know when it's time and your decision sits with you for the rest of your life."
