Danielle Laidley (birth name Dean Laidley) has opened up about becoming a gender advocate in a quest for acceptance amid the release of her book.

Danielle played 151 games for West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne football clubs, winning an AFL premiership with the Kangaroos in 1996. She became one of the youngest senior coaches ever at 36, coaching North Melbourne for 149 games across seven seasons from 2003 to 2009.

After being diagnosed with gender dysphoria, Ms Laidley is now an advocate for transgender people.

Don’t Look Away is a book that takes readers into the behind-the-scenes life of AFL from the perspective of player and coach and explores Ms Laidley’s personal struggle.

Ms Laidley told Deborah Knight, when writing her book she experienced “a whole range of emotions”.

“There were lots and lots of tears, some very funny times and just excitement around finally being able to write a book.”

The former AFL champion admitted she was too scared to seek out professional advice to help understand her gender dysphoria.

“It became a bit of a forestall and I got lost.”

Press PLAY below to hear Danielle Laidley open up on her life with Deborah Knight