The odds Neale Daniher defied during Motor Neurone Disease battle

AFL legend Neale Daniher has died after a lengthy but inspiring battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), his family confirmed on Monday afternoon.

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Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and survived 13 years with the insidious illness, mostly spent campaigning publicly against the disease. He passed away aged 65.

The average life expectancy for a person diagnosed with MND is only 27 months from when they are diagnosed — showing how extraordinary Daniher’s journey has been.

«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 statement read.

«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.»

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After diagnosis, Daniher became co-founder and patron of FightMND, which has been at the forefront of raising money for research of the illness — including the famous ‘Big Freeze’ game on King’s Birthday between Melbourne and Collingwood.

The ‘Big Freeze’ is scheduled to be played in 14 days at the MCG and is expected to now also be a celebration of Daniher’s life.

Daniher was a best and fairest during 82 games for Essendon betwen 1979-1990 — with his career hampered by knee injuries.

He became Melbourne’s senior coach in 1998 and coached 223 games until 2007 — with the Demons playing finals in six of his 10 seasons.

Daniher was West Coast’s general manager for the next six seasons until he stepped down due to his MND diagnosis.

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