‘A devastating loss:’ AFL world celebrates life of Neale Daniher following passing
The AFL and sporting worlds are in mourning, following the passing of icon and hero Neale Daniher, aged 65.
On Monday, Daniher passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, following a 13-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
«We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family,» his 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.
MORE: The odds Neale Daniher defied during Motor Neurone Disease battle
Daniher touched many in both the football and outside worlds, through his inspirational career as a player for Essendon, senior coach for Melbourne, and more importantly, as a campaigner raising awareness about MND and fundraising for research.
His life will be celebrated to the fullest, with the King’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood, that annually raises awareness and funds for MND off the back of Daniher’s campaigning, sure to be a powerful tribute in less than a fortnight’s time.
Additionally, the Victorian government have confirmed Daniher will receive a state funeral.
Read below for some of the tributes shared by those that knew Neale best.
Andrew Dillon (AFL CEO)
Andrew Dillon released a touching tribute to Daniher in the wake of the news.
“The passing of Neale is a devastating loss not only for everyone fortunate enough to know him, but for everyone in our community for the selflessness that he represented,» he said.
“Neale was a brilliant player in his time on the field with Essendon and when injuries cut short his playing career, he was passionate and outstanding coach that guided Melbourne to six finals series, including the 2000 Grand Final.
“But his contribution to wider Australian life was simply incredible in the way he put himself at the forefront, despite the challenge of his own MND diagnosis, to raise awareness of the disease, champion fundraising efforts and search for a cure that he knew would likely not help him, but may help many thousands of other Australians in the future.»
Andrew Welsh (Essendon president) & Steven Smith (Melbourne president)
Both clubs intertwined with the Daniher name, Essendon and Melbourne, also released tributes.
“Neale will forever be a beloved Bomber and is one of the most remarkable people our game has ever produced,” Essendon president Andrew Welsh said.
“His diagnosis of motor neurone disease in 2013 would have broken most people. Instead, in the face of adversity, Neale chose to fight, not just for himself but for the thousands of Australians who would come after him.»
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Meanwhile, Melbourne president Steven Smith said, “It is impossible to encapsulate in words the impact of Neale Daniher.
“His courage transcended the football field, and his determination inspired an entire country.
“Neale was not driven by personal motivation, he was driven by helping others, right until the very end.
“He will be greatly missed by us all, but he will never be forgotten.»
Anthony Albanese (Australian Prime Minister)
Daniher, the 2025 Australian of the Year, was honoured in parliament by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
«With the passing of Neale Daniher, we all grieve for a great Australian,» Albanese said.
«In 2013, after an extraordinary and decorated VFL/AFL career as both player and then coach, Neale Daniher was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. At that point, the average life expectancy was just 27 months. Instead, through 13 years, Neale fought what he called the ‘beast,’ with the encourage, optimism and passion that brought hope and inspiration into the lives of everyone affected by MND.
«The devastating impacts of Motor Neurone Disease stole so much from Neale. But he held onto everything that people loved and admired about him. His selflessness, his bravery, his humour, his ability to look on the bridge side, and his fierce determination to make a difference for others.»
Vale Neale Daniher. pic.twitter.com/MReyEIIIvr
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 25, 2026
David Neitz (former Melbourne captain)
David Neitz, who captained Melbourne for much of Daniher’s tenure as coach, said that the battle against MND will still continue.
«Neale’s famous words are ‘play on.’ I know that we, and all Australians, will get behind Neale still, and rally. Rally for him in a really, really sad time,» he said.
The MCG is becoming a makeshift shrine as Melburnians pay tribute to the late Neale Daniher. His past players are among those paying their respects. @XanderMcGuire7 is there. @7AFL pic.twitter.com/ioOdTTqm3Z
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) May 25, 2026
Hamish McLachlan (Seven presenter and Big Freeze host)
McLachlan, who interviewed Daniher as recently at last year on Seven’s Unfiltered program, posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
«The only real life superhero I’ve ever met,» he described Neale.
«Neale was the best of humans. And a teacher to us all.
«Neale showed us all what is possible, and how to live a life full of purpose, rather than just live.
«And he showed us the attitude we choose each day, is entirely up to us.
«He changed the way I look at the world. And in doing so, inadvertently changed the way my children live their lives. And I dare say thousands of families live a more positive life after being touched by Neale’s formidable approach to his days.
«I feel blessed that our paths crossed. I am terribly sad he has gone, but feel a sense of privilege to have learnt so much simply by spending time by his side.»
Read more The odds Neale Daniher defied during Motor Neurone Disease battle
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Hamish McLachlan (@hamishmclachlan)
More to come.
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