NEALE Daniher AO has been recognised for his battle against ‘The Beast’, named the 2025 Australian of the Year.
The FightMND co-founder and patron, who was acknowledged as the Victorian representative in November, earned the honour on Saturday, with focus on his advocacy to find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).
Daniher, in partnership with the late Dr Ian Davis OAM and Pat Cunningham, established FightMND in 2014 to raise awareness and crucial funds for research and care initiatives.
It has since grown into one of the world’s leading independent funders of MND research, investing more than $97 million.
Daniher, who was diagnosed in 2013, has led the FightMND army over the past decade, campaigning tirelessly against the debilitating disease.
Melbourne President Brad Green congratulated his former coach on the honour.
“What Neale has been able to achieve since being diagnosed with MND is simply remarkable,” Green said.
“From the incredible amount of funds raised and invested into research, to that cheeky smile we see at the top of the Big Freeze slide each year, Neale’s impact on both the football industry and the wider community is unmatched.
“His ruthless fight, alongside his passion and commitment to help others, continues to inspire us all. Neale knows he won’t be the beneficiary of his actions, but that only drives him further.
“On behalf of the Melbourne Football Club, I would like to congratulate Neale, as well as wife Jan and children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben, for this well-deserved recognition.”
As the face of the Big Freeze, FightMND’s biggest fundraising event of the year, Daniher has created a King’s Birthday tradition, where the football community pull on blue beanies in support of the important cause.
This year will mark the 11th edition of spectacle, where ‘sliders’ hit the ice prior to Melbourne and Collingwood’s dedicated match.
A much-loved member of the club and wider football community, Daniher coached the Demons for 223 matches between 1998 to 2007, which followed a playing career at Essendon (82 games).
Daniher was also recognised in 2019 as Victorian of the Year.
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