Neale Daniher - Motor neurone disease campaigner and former Australian of the Year Neale Daniher dies

Former AFL footballer, Australian of the Year and motor neurone disease campaigner Neale Daniher has died at the age of 65. His family confirmed his death today. "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.

"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." Daniher played 82 games for Essendon over 11 years of an injury-plagued AFL/VFL career from 1979 to 1990. He also coached Melbourne Football Club for more than 220 games from 1998 to 2007.

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013 and dedicated his later years to raising awareness of the disease and fundraising for research. Daniher was named Victorian of the Year in 2019 and Australian of the Year in 2025.