I am reading Neale finally lost his battle.
RIP champion.
Such sad news. He was definitely one of the good ones.
Much love and sympathy to the whole Daniher clan.
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Genuinely in tears at the office.
RIP Neale
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Very sad, what a great player and person. RIP
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fark
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Family Statement posted on reddit
Daniher family statement
We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family.
From day one, Neale was a fighter. His determination was unmatched — choosing every day to find opportunity where others might see only challenge, and taking the fight to the Beast with everything he had.
Even in the toughest times, he kept pushing forward, determined to land as many blows as he could against his toughest opponent, all with a cheeky grin and a sharp sense of humour that never left him.
Long before MND, Neale had always been the heart of our family.
Growing up as one of eleven children, he brought light and laughter wherever he went.
He loved deeply and was loved just as much in return by his family and friends.
Across every part of his life, Neale left his mark.
Many knew him as “Coach” or “Reverend” during his time at the Dees, while at the Dons he was respected as a fierce and calculating player, with a brilliant football mind.
He was a natural leader, someone people were drawn to and looked up to.
But beyond all of that, he was a loving husband, dad, a proud Poppy, a music lover, and the one with the biggest laugh in the room.
He was known for his quick wit, his humour, and his ability to bring people together — qualities that defined him far more than any title ever could.
We want to thank the incredible community who stood beside Neale and our family throughout this journey.
Your support, kindness, and unwavering belief meant more than we could ever put into words. Neale drew great strength from knowing he was never alone, and neither were we.
We are so grateful to the incredible carers, nurses, doctors, researchers, and specialists who supported Neale and our family with such dedication and compassion. Thank you.
Neale’s fight was never his alone. It became something bigger — something shared — and it touched the lives of many.
His wish was simple but powerful — to help create a world where no one has to face this disease. But beyond that he wanted to leave a legacy that says this “No matter the odds, no matter the diagnosis, we all have the power to fight, to smile, and to do.
Because the mark of a person isn’t what they say, “it’s what they do”.
We will forever remember him for the lasting impact that he has made on us all. He has inspired, he has loved, he has lived and it would only be fitting to finish with his words — Play On.
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Very sad news. All the best to the full Daniher clan.
RIP
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Incredible person. Courageous fighter. Very sad but inevitable given MND. He was an incredible talent who but for injury I believe could have been one of Essendon’s greatest players the equal of James Hird. Cannot emphasise how good a player he was.
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Sad news. RIP Neale.
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I cannot conceive of any way, that any one, could possibly have shown more courage, more resilience, more inspiration and more positive societal impact than Neale Daniher has done.
An immense and unforgettable example of humanity at its finest. He sets the bar, for me.
Most of us deal with mere trifles in comparison.
Greatness comes in many forms. But rarely like this.
Rip, Rowdy.
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Ah man, very sad… RIP… 
Will never forget listening to the last few minutes of his famous match against Carlton in 1981, sitting in the car park of Sovereign Hill in Ballarat in Mum & Dad’s car.
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Sadden to hear. So sorry for his family.
What a champion human being.
RIP
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Very sad
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Talking about Neale the other day at coffee, someone there knew someone who got recently diagnosed with MND at 30 years old, all pretty amazed with Neale’s fight, given its supposed to take you soon after diagnosis (2-3 years). Legend of the game, and always liked him as coach of the Dees. I will get another MND beanie this year.
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As great a player as he was (or could have been) and as great a coach he was, he will mostly be remembered for what he did in the fight for FMD. haven’t they raised close to $100m to find a cure? It would be mostly off the back of him
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RIP Neale. You have left a lasting legacy at two clubs, but an even more profound mark on our society as a whole.
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What a legacy, rest easy now Neil.
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Fought MND for 13 years, unbelievable
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Sad, sad day but what an amazing legacy Neale leaves. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, his tireless work will lead to a cure for “the beast”.
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