Neale Daniher

From Footy Star to MND Warrior: Neale Daniher's Inspiring Journey!

AFL legend Neale Daniher has been named Victoria’s Australian of the Year 2025 for his fight against motor neurone disease. Dive into his remarkable journey!

In a celebration of courage and dedication, AFL legend Neale Daniher has been named Victoria’s Australian of the Year for 2025. The recognition comes not just for his illustrious career as a former footballer for the Essendon Football Club, but significantly for his relentless advocacy against motor neurone disease (MND). Daniher co-founded the FightMND charity, aiming to raise funds and awareness for research in the hope of finding a cure for this devastating illness. His journey is one of transformation, where a celebrated sports figure became a beacon of hope and inspiration for many battling the disease and their families.

During a heartfelt ceremony held at the Melbourne Arts Centre, Daniher received the honour on-stage, accompanied by his wife, demonstrating the strength of their partnership through thick and thin. Despite being unable to speak due to the progression of MND, his presence spoke volumes. Daniher's undeniable spirit has captivated the hearts of many, revealing that true champions don’t always wear footy boots but can withstand the toughest matches life throws at them. Premier Jacinta Allan expressed gratitude for his significant contributions to both the sporting community and the MND awareness campaign, emphasising the dual impact he had on Victorians.

Daniher’s FightMND initiative has gained momentum, inspiring many with its slogan ‘Leave the game better than you found it.’ By encouraging donations and support, Daniher’s message resonates deeply - advocating not only for research but also for community solidarity against a disease that affects thousands of Australians. His journey illustrates that one doesn’t have to be defined by their challenges; instead, they can become leaders by converting their personal battles into a collective fight for a cure.

As Daniher continues his mission, his story exemplifies resilience and hope each day. You might be surprised to discover that motor neurone disease affects more than 2,000 Australians annually, with a shocking rate of one diagnosis every 24 hours. Also, did you know that Neale’s legacy extends beyond MND? He was also an esteemed coach, guiding new generations of football talent, showcasing that his influence isn’t confined just to his health campaign, but spans the future of Australian Rules Football.

In recognition of Neale Daniher's fight and dedication, let’s celebrate this champion not just on the field, but in the hearts of every Australian striving for a better tomorrow against motor neurone disease and beyond.