QUEEN’S Birthday is always an eagerly-awaited occasion for the red and blue faithful – even if the results haven’t gone the way of Melbourne since Neale Daniher guided the team to victory in 2007. 

Even though that didn’t change on Monday – when Collingwood defeated Melbourne by 25 points, albeit in an entertaining contest – it would’ve been hard for any Demon fan to come away from the day bitter about the result.

Yes, Melbourne had its opportunities and could’ve won the match, save for too many silly errors and costly turnovers, as its effort was genuinely there.

But when the man, who last guided Melbourne to victory over the Pies eight years ago, became the man of the moment again, it put everything into perspective – even footy!

Daniher’s day was quite simply something else.

His ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ event – to raise funds to help find a cure for ‘the beast’ known as motor neurone disease – was an outstanding cause that united the entire football community.

The pre-match entertainment with a host of football personalities going down a slide into icy water was all for a great cause.

It was the sort of ‘fan experience’ people bought into because it had purpose and meaning. And it was fun.

The AHG Walk to the ’G from Fed Square was also a great event. The sight of ‘The Rev’ back among the red and blue faithful was a wonderful sight, for the Melbourne supporters who experienced six finals series in his time – a fine achievement what the club has experienced since he left the club.

Now, football is put into perspective, when you consider Daniher’s lot.

Tragically, he knows that MND will take his life. And to consider that notion is extremely powerful stuff.

In the meantime, he has been a champion for the horrible disease and inspiration to so many – crossing far wider than the football family. The prime minister of Australia, Tony Abbott, was there for support. And regardless of your political persuasion, Daniher’s ability to raise awareness for the event, had reached the top office. And the support from the AFL, Collingwood and of course Melbourne couldn’t be underestimated. The fact that he and his ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ team raised more than $2 million was a phenomenal achievement.

Daniher was a brilliant footballer cut down in his absolute prime. Many forget he was appointed Essendon captain for the 1982 season, after debuting in 1979. Yet he never got to skipper the Dons, as several serious knee injuries cut him down. He managed to play a handful of matches again in 1985 and again in 1989-90, before his 82-game career was forced to end, given his knees could take no more.

He later became Melbourne coach from 1998-2007 and guided the Demons in 223 matches – the third most in the club’s history behind Norm Smith and Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes’ – including the 2000 Grand Final.

After coaching the Dees, he was general manager of football operations with the West Coast Eagles.

But it could be argued that Daniher is best known as a Demon. Bomber fans could disagree, but there was no disputing he was a Dee on Queen’s Birthday.

And for the red and blue faithful – that’s the way they liked it!

For skipper Nathan Jones, who is one of a few remaining Demons to have played under Daniher, the occasion had a significant impact.

“It was a pretty emotional week for me personally, with Danners being my past coach and my grandpa died from the disease, so there was a lot of time for reflection and we spoke a lot with Neale,” he told Dee TV.

“We had him at training the other day, with the player donation and it’s a real inspiration for the group. Unfortunately from our point of view, we couldn’t get the result we were after, but I thought the players played with real effort and spirit.

“I think it’s a credit to the AFL industry, Melbourne footy club and Collingwood footy club how much they’ve jumped on board and how much they’ve raised. It’s been amazing to watch and hopefully it becomes a consistent thing every Queen’s Birthday match.”

Leader Daniel Cross, who didn’t play under Daniher at Melbourne, but like the former Melbourne coach is a New South Welshman, said he had been blown away by Daniher.

“For someone like that to be so selfless in his situation is amazing,” he told Dee TV.

“You take a step back and what we do – we might lose today and it’s not so bad, because we can go again next week, but his courage and bravery is amazing and we certainly wanted to take part of that into [the match]. 

“We really wanted to do it for Danners and he’s been super for this club. He’s been a great coach here and it’s disappointing that we couldn’t get the win for him.”

The Demons may not have got the win for him, but Daniher won the day in so many ways.