[1] Laidler represented Vic Metro in the NAB AFL U18 Championships, and was the recipient of the Calder Cannons' best and fairest award for 2007.

At Geelong, Laidler was switched from playing forward (where he had scored 25 goals in his season with the Cannons) to defence.

[6] Carlton had also been keen to recruit the defender at the end of 2009, and Laidler saw the move as a good opportunity to play more senior football, having been unable to break into the very strong Geelong defence.

[7] Laidler immediately became a regular in Carlton's defence, making his debut for the club in Round 1, 2011 against Richmond,[8] and playing nineteen matches for the year.

[11] Laidler's wife, Amber (née Greasley, born 1993), is a former Miss World Australia and currently a reporter for Seven News Sydney.