Former player and coach Neale Daniher has died at age 65, thirteen years after his motor neurone disease diagnosis. His family confirmed on Monday that he passed away at home. The statement noted his fighting spirit and daily choice to seek opportunity amid difficulty. Daniher played for Essendon and coached Melbourne from 1998 to 2007, with additional roles at Fremantle and West Coast. The family highlighted his leadership, respect as a player, and role as a husband and father. After his diagnosis he became a leading advocate, co-founding FightMND and supporting the annual Big Freeze campaign. The league’s best player award carries his name, and he received Australian of the Year recognition last year for his efforts.
