In sad news today, Neale Daniher AO, the former Australian of the Year winner in 2025, has passed away from his lengthy battle with motor neuron disease.
Neale was a regular household name in football-loving households. He first rose to fame with Essendon as a player, alongside his brothers Terry, Chris and Anthony, and then afterwards as a coach for various clubs. He and his four brothers all played in the same game in 1990, making football history.
However, after receiving his motor neuron disease in 2013, Neale dedicated the rest of his life to raising awareness and funding for the disease, which is incurable.
To that end, he founded the FightMND charity, which hosts an annual celebration, the Big Freeze Fundraiser, on the annual King’s birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood. The match’s best player wins the Neal Daniher Trophy, named in his honour.
His foundation has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to fund research into the disease.
“Neale’s fight was never his alone,” his family wrote in a statement (below). “It became something bigger – something shared – and it touched the lives of many.”
“His wish was simple but powerful – to help create a world where no one has to face this disease. But beyond that he wanted to leave a legacy that says this “No matter the odds, no matter the diagnosis, we all have the power to fight, to smile, and to do.””
For his efforts, Neale was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2016, an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2021 and then became the Australian of the Year in 2025.
Neale’s death comes just weeks away from the next game on 8 June, 2026.
He is survived by Jan, his wife, and their children Lauren, Luke, Ben, and Bec. His children and grandchildren joined him on a lap of honour at the 2025 Big Freeze event.
Statement from the Daniher family
We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family.
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.
Long before MND, Neale had always been the heart of our family.
Growing up as one of eleven children, he brought light and laughter wherever he went.
He loved deeply and was loved just as much in return by his family and friends.
Across every part of his life, Neale left his mark.
Many knew him as “Coach” or “Reverend” during his time at the Dees, while at the Dons he was respected as a fierce and calculating player, with a brilliant football mind.
He was a natural leader, someone people were drawn to and looked up to.
But beyond all of that, he was a loving husband, dad, a proud Poppy, a music lover, and the one with the biggest laugh in the room.
He was known for his quick wit, his humour, and his ability to bring people together – qualities that defined him far more than any title ever could.
We want to thank the incredible community who stood beside Neale and our family throughout this journey.
Your support, kindness, and unwavering belief meant more than we could ever put into words. Neale drew great strength from knowing he was never alone, and neither were we.
We are so grateful to the incredible carers, nurses, doctors, researchers, and specialists who supported Neale and our family with such dedication and compassion. Thank you.
Neale’s fight was never his alone. It became something bigger – something shared – and it touched the lives of many.
His wish was simple but powerful – to help create a world where no one has to face this disease. But beyond that he wanted to leave a legacy that says this “No matter the odds, no matter the diagnosis, we all have the power to fight, to smile, and to do.
Because the mark of a person isn’t what they say, “it’s what they do”.
We will forever remember him for the lasting impact that he has made on us all. He has inspired, he has loved, he has lived and it would only be fitting to finish with his words – Play On.
