Footy legend Neale Daniher has died aged 65 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.
His passing was confirmed on Monday, with his statement releasing a statement confirming the tragic news.
‘We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family,’ the statement read.
‘From day one, Neale was a fighter. His determination was unmatched – choosing every day to find opportunity where others might see only challenge, and taking the fight to the Beast with everything he had.
‘Even in the toughest times, he kept pushing forward, determined to land as many blows as he could against his toughest opponent, all with a cheeky grin and a sharp sense of humour that never left him.’
Neale died two weeks before the annual King’s Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood, which has played host to the Big Freeze fundraiser that raised money for his FightMND charity.
AFL icon Neale Daniher has lost his long battle with motor neurone disease aged 65
The former Essendon star and Demons coach was named the 2025 Australian of the Year due to his efforts to raise money to fight the incurable condition
Neale was named the 2019 Victorian of the Year and became Australian of the Year in 2025 due to his outstanding work fighting the incurable disease that took his life.
The Essendon great played 82 matches for the Bombers from 1979 to 1990 before going on to be the club’s assistant coach from 1992 to 1994.
He was then an assistant with Fremantle from 1995 to 1997 before becoming head coach of the Melbourne Demons in 1998.
Daniher held that position until 2007, taking the club to fourth on the ladder in his first season in charge.
More to come…
