Daniher was first diagnosed with the incurable disease in 2013 with a life expectancy of just two to three years, with an average of only 10% of MND sufferers living for at least a decade beyond diagnosis.
He worked tirelessly throughout his 13 years with MND, which prior to his diagnosis had little public awareness, to advocate for public funding to find a cure and support those battling with the illness.
Thanks to the work of Daniher in fighting what he dubbed as 'the Beast', the charity 'FightMND' launched the annual 'Big Freeze' event at the MCG in 2015, which sees football icons and other famous public figures slide into a pool of icy water prior to the King's Birthday game between Melbourne and Collingwood.
The sale of tens of thousands of beanies, socks and caps raises millions of dollars each year to fund clinical research trials, the most recent of which saw scientists at the University of Wollongong find a breakthrough that could assist with the treatment of MND.
He was honoured as the Australian of the Year in 2025 following an Order of Australia (AO) medal in 2021.
Before sadly becoming known as a national MND advocate, Daniher was a footballing legend in his own right as part of the famous Daniher family, playing 82 VFL games for Essendon.
Daniher was forced to retire from playing before turning 30 due to chronic knee issues that required multiple reconstructions and several lengthy periods on the sideline.
The New South Welshman would then go on to coach Melbourne for ten years between 1998 and 2007, whilst also proudly coaching the Allies State of Origin against Victoria in 1997.
Statement from the Daniher family
"We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family.
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.
Long before MND, Neale had always been the heart of our family.
Growing up as one of eleven children, he brought light and laughter wherever he went.
He loved deeply and was loved just as much in return by his family and friends.
Across every part of his life, Neale left his mark.
Many knew him as “Coach” or “Reverend” during his time at the Dees, while at the Dons he was respected as a fierce and calculating player, with a brilliant football mind.
He was a natural leader, someone people were drawn to and looked up to.
But beyond all of that, he was a loving husband, dad, a proud Poppy, a music lover, and the one with the biggest laugh in the room.
He was known for his quick wit, his humour, and his ability to bring people together - qualities that defined him far more than any title ever could.
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.
Because the mark of a person isn’t what they say, "it’s what they do”.
We will forever remember him for the lasting impact that he has made on us all. He has inspired, he has loved, he has lived and it would only be fitting to finish with his words - Play On."