Neale Daniher, the former AFL player and coach who became one of Australia's most recognizable advocates in the fight against motor neurone disease, has died at age 65.
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Daniher's family confirmed his death, saying he died at home surrounded by loved ones.
"We're heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family," the family said in a statement. "He has inspired, he has loved, he has lived."
A beloved figure in Australian rules football, Daniher played 82 games for Essendon Football Club between 1979 and 1990 before later coaching the Melbourne Football Club from 1998-2007.
His playing career was repeatedly interrupted by serious knee injuries, though he remained widely respected throughout the sport for his resilience and leadership.
Daniher revealed in 2014 that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which he famously nicknamed "the beast." In the years that followed, he became the public face of Australia's fight against MND, helping establish the charity FightMND and spearheading the annual "Big Freeze" fundraising campaign.
The event became one of the country's most visible sports-related charity efforts, raising millions for research into the disease.
Daniher was named Victorian of the Year in 2019 and later Australian of the Year in 2025 in recognition of both his football career and advocacy work.
Even after losing his ability to speak, Daniher continued inspiring Australians through prerecorded messages centered on hope, resilience and perseverance.
"I chose to fight because if I didn't, how could I expect anyone else to?" Daniher said during the 2025 Australian of the Year ceremony.
He is survived by his wife, Jan, four children and several grandchildren.
