MELBOURNE supporters, Collingwood fans and the football community at large are urged, not only to attend this Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash between two of the game’s greatest rivals, but to support the much-loved Neale Daniher’s ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ cause.
Daniher, a former star with Essendon, who was cut down in his prime of his career with several serious knee injuries, later became an outstanding Melbourne coach, guiding the club to six finals series, including the 2000 Grand Final.
Despite his outstanding football career as a player, coach and later administrator, it was revealed in August 2014 that Daniher was fighting motor neurone disease – a hideous disease he calls ‘The beast’, as a cure has yet to be found.
He has since dedicated his life to educating the public about MND and helping raise funds to find a cure.
On Monday, a range of activities will be held to help Daniher’s ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ cause.
Starting from 12.30pm at Fed Square, there will be the ‘AHG walk to the G.’
The football community is urged to head to Fed Square before the MCG game to show their support for Daniher.
There will be some very special guests appearing on stage, some great giveaways, along with the chance to win a Toyota Hilux, courtesy of AHG.
Daniher will lead the ‘AHG Walk to the G’ departing Fed Square at 2pm (people can also show their support via Twitter: #walkwithneale).
Collingwood supporters are also urged to head to the Westpac Centre before the match, for their own walk to the ‘G. The two sets of fans will then meet on the MCG concourse at Gate 1 at 2.15pm, before they head into the ground for the match.
From there, footy fans can see ‘The Big Freeze at the G’, as some of the biggest names in football get the ice treatment. And this will be no ice bucket challenge either! Make sure you’re there by 2.30pm.
Supporters are also encouraged to wear beanies walking towards the MCG. Beanies can be purchased at www.curemnd.org.au.
Daniher’s outstanding VFL/AFL career started back in 1979.
Hailing from Ungarie in New South Wales, he played 82 matches stretching from 1979-90. He played 66 matches in his first three seasons from 1979-81, before being appointed skipper in 1982. Yet knee injuries hindered his career so much that he never got to captain the Bombers.
He didn’t play again until 1985, when he played five matches. And it wasn’t until 1989-90 when he added another 11 matches.
He created history when he played with brothers Terry, Anthony and Chris twice – representing New South Wales in their stunning win over Victoria at the SCG and later in round 22, playing for Essendon against St Kilda at Moorabbin. It was the first time in VFL/AFL history four brothers had played in the one side. It was also Daniher’s final VFL/AFL match. He booted 3.4.
In 1991, Daniher played with Werribee in the VFA (now VFL).
Before he coached Melbourne from 1998-2007 in 223 matches – the third most in the club’s history – behind Norm Smith (310) and Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes (258), he was an assistant coach at Essendon and Fremantle. He also coached The Allies in State of Origin football.
After his coaching career, Daniher became general manager of football operations for the West Coast Eagles from 2008.
Since being diagnosed with MND, he has been a passionate ambassador for finding a cure.
Key MND facts:
• MND is a rapidly progressive, terminal neurological disease
• There is no known cure and no effective treatment for MND yet
• Each day in Australia two people die from MND
• Each day in Australia two people are diagnosed with MND
• People with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe, while their mind and senses usually remain intact
• Average life expectancy is 27 months
• An estimated 1,900 people have MND in Australia and thousands more families and carers live daily with the effects of MND
Donate: http://freezemnd.com/
