Neale Daniher’s family have vowed to “play on” and continue his quest to find a cure for the “beast” he battled.
The much-loved AFL legend and motor neurone disease advocate was honoured in an emotional state funeral on Wednesday, attended by more than 5000 people, including political leaders, former and current AFL players and colleagues.
A symbol of the fight against MND, Daniher died on May 25 aged 65 after a 13-year battle with what he called The Beast.
Thousands of attendees formed guard of honour wearing their distinctive blue FightMND beanies along Daniher’s Way and clapped as his hearse was driven from the grounds of the MCG for a final time.
The former Essendon player, Melbourne coach and tireless MND campaigner had been eulogised inside the hallowed grounds where he spent much of his life working and playing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him a hero who fought for a world where families don’t lose their loved ones to the cruel disease.
“It is the final gift of inspiration that he leaves us with – a choice each of us can make, a fight that all of us can win. We will play on for him,” he said.
Loz Daniher spoke of the struggle as her father lost his ability to speak, move and breathe from the insidious disease.
“You could have complained, but you never did … You could have folded, but you never did,” she said.
“We will play on for you, dad. I love you.”
As he grew older, Luke Daniher realised his dad’s greatest legacy wasn’t what he had achieved, but what he has passed on – the values, perspective and example.
While it was the special bond Bec Daniher shared with her father and how he fought not for her but for so many others that will continue to live on.
“I once heard that grief is the price that we pay for love, and I loved you boundlessly,” she said.
“So I’ll carry that grief gladly, because it comes from such a deep privilege to have had those laughs, those lessons, the challenges, and all those moments in between, the big and small, that shaped who I am today.”
Daniher’s legacy spans generations, including through his grandson Cooper.
“My pop was strong, brave, and courageous, and I hope I can be like him when I grow up. I miss you, poppy. Play on,” he said.
Daniher was diagnosed with the incurable and fatal disease in 2013. The average life expectancy is 27 months, but he survived for 13 years.
In that time, he co-founded charity FightMND, which has committed over $141 million to medical research for treatments and ultimately to find a cure.
Daniher was named 2025 Australian of the Year for his contributions in leading the fight against MND, inspiring millions of Australians with hope.
He is survived by his wife Jan, their four children and six grandchildren.