Neale Daniher, the AFL legend who became a national symbol for the fight against motor neurone disease (MND), has passed away at the age of 65.
“We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family,” Daniher’s family said in statement shared earlier today.
“From day one, Neale was a fighter. His determination was unmatched — choosing every day to find opportunity where others might see only challenge.”
Daniher reportedly succumbed to the condition after his health deteriorated over the past few weeks.
Daniher was diagnosed with MND, an incurable and fatal neurological disorder, in 2013, and devoted much of his life raising awareness and funds for advocacy about the condition.
In 2025, Daniher was named Australian of the Year for his work in the space, including raising over $100 million for MND research initiatives and for spearheading the Big Freeze — an event held annually during the King’s Birthday AFL match that features a massive ice slide ridden by Aussie celebrities at the MCG.
Prior to being diagnosed with MND, a condition he nicknamed ‘The Beast’, Daniher was a revered AFL icon, playing 82 games for Essendon and becoming the club’s youngest ever captain at just 21 ahead of the 1982 season.
Daniher — who was part of the famous Daniher AFL family alongside his footballer brothers Terry, Chris and Anthony — later transitioned to coaching, and led the Melbourne Demons to the 2000 Grand Final.
In 2022, Daniher was inducted into the Essendon Hall of Fame.
In their statement, Daniher’s family said he took “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.”
Lead images: Getty
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