'MND doesn’t define Neale': Tears flow at touching Daniher send-off

Thousands have gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to farewell the late Neale Daniher at a state funeral on Wednesday.

The 2025 Australian of the Year died on May 25 after a 13-year battle with motor neuron disease (MND).

Daniher created the FightMND foundation, and raised over $50m to help find a cure for the disease following his diagnosis. In the days following his death, a Queensland couple donated a staggering $40m to the cause.

The annual King’s Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne became the Big Freeze game, helping the FightMND campaign raise money across the last 12 years.

Beyond that, Daniher created his own legacy in football as a player for Essendon and as a coach for Melbourne. His brothers Terry, Anthony and Chris also played for the Bombers, as well as his nephew Joe Daniher.

The service was hosted by veteran broadcaster Hamish McLachlan, with the Melbourne Demons players in attendance alongside past players, friends, family and fans.

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“Neale was the best of us in so many ways. He understood something too much of us learn too late. Life is about what you do with the time you have,” McLachlan said.

Melbourne legends Garry Lyon, David Neitz, Brad Green, Aaron Davey, Russell Robertson and Adem Yze were among those in attendance, as well as Essendon greats James Hird, Tim Watson, Mark Harvey, Dean Solomon, Andrew Welsh and more.

AFL heavyweights including chief Andrew Dillon, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, Sydney chief Matthew Pavlich, Geelong great Joel Selwood, former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire and Melbourne premiership coach Simon Goodwin, as well as the majority of the current Essendon and Melbourne playing groups were present.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese was in attendance, as well as many Victorian politicians past and present and Australian governor general Sam Mostyn.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen spoke first, paying tribute to Daniher and talking about her own experience as an Essendon fan growing up in the 1980s. Albanese spoke next.

Neale’s wife, Jan, then spoke, representing the family. She spoke about how they met and became emotional talking about their kids, and learning about his diagnosis.

“MND doesn’t define Neale. Neale is defined by his character, his sharp wit, his cheeky smile, his love of family and friends and his love of laughter,” she said.

His children and even his young grandchildren spoke, moving the room to tears and laughs.

His daugher Bec, who has voiced the FightMND foundation in recent years, was brought to tears. She is due to give birth in the coming days. Soon to arrive is a grandson Neale will never get to meet.

“In the next few weeks, or days, we will be welcoming a little boy into the world ... I know you wanted to meet him, but he’ll have your spirit and your laugh. We will forever miss you and love you,” she said, leaving the stage in tears.

Anthony Daniher then spoke passionately about his brother’s life and his love of footy and cricket.

Long serving Dees captain Neitz and former Melbourne player Paul Hopgood took the stage and spoke together about his time coaching the club.