Former AFL footballer and motor neurone disease campaigner Neale Daniher has died at home at the age of 65.
He passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, May 25, 2026, after a 13-year battle with the illness.
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Daniher was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013 and co-founded the charity Fight MND to raise awareness and research funding.
Family and National Tributes
The Daniher family confirmed his passing in an official statement, calling him a "much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy."
They highlighted his relentless spirit: "From day one, Neale was a fighter. His determination was unmatched."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes in parliament, praising Daniher's courage and optimism.
Albanese noted that Daniher lived far beyond the average 27-month life expectancy for MND patients.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced a state memorial service to honor his contributions to sports and medical fundraising.
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Daniher's sporting career included playing for Essendon alongside his three brothers, Terry, Anthony, and Chris.
He later coached Melbourne Football Club for 223 games, including the 2000 AFL Grand Final.
Throughout his illness, Daniher used a screen and communication technology after losing his ability to speak.
He famously called the disease "the Beast" to personalize his fight and remained confident a cure would be found.
"I always believe if there's a will, there's a way. We're smart.
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Human beings have got an answer to this," he said in 2015.
