Neale Daniher has passed away at the age of 65, 13 years after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The former AFL player and coach was diagnosed in 2013, starting the FightMND charity with his family, to find a cure for what he called ‘the beast’.
One of the big fundraisers for the charity was The Big Freeze, held before the Melbourne/Collingwood clash at the MCG on the King’s Birthday public holiday.
Big Freeze events are also held across the country, with one due to be held in Geelong this weekend.
Daniher was named Australian of the year in 2025 for his advocacy work.
His family released a statement on Monday afternoon, confirming the news.
“We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family,” they said in the statement.
“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.
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.”
