The North Melbourne Football Club joins the football world in mourning the sad passing of Neale Daniher AO.
Beyond his contributions as an accomplished player for Essendon and coach for Melbourne, Neale’s true impact went beyond the football field, through his fierce determination as the founder of FightMND.
Daniher was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2013, and later became the passionate voice behind the ongoing fundraising effort to fight the illness he called ‘The Beast’. The blue beanies associated with this campaign have become a staple of Melbourne life in the winter months.
His loss will be felt across the AFL landscape, including at the North Melbourne Football Club, where many share deep personal and professional ties with him.
North Melbourne CEO Jen Watt worked closely alongside Daniher during her tenure at the Melbourne Football Club and senior coach Alastair Clarkson served as Daniher’s runner in his first year as coach of Melbourne.
North Melbourne general manager of football Todd Viney shared a close bond with Daniher, having been coached by him during the final two seasons of his playing career at Melbourne. In 2000, the year after his retirement as a player, Viney joined Daniher on the club’s coaching panel.
“Neale had a bit an aura about him when he first came to Melbourne in 1998,” Viney said. “He made his mark on the club immediately, taking us to a preliminary final in his first year and a Grand Final two years later.
"Even after he left Melbourne, he remained a revered figure among his former players. He was such a positive role model for so many of us — not just footy but life and the challenges it throws at you.
“No one would have been surprised with the way he attacked life after he was first diagnosed with MND in 2013. Typical of Neale, it was never about himself and it was just recognition when he was named Australian of the Year last year.
“It’s been a privilege to call Neale a friend and everyone who knew him will miss him deeply.
“Our condolences go to his wife Jan, his children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben, and the entire Daniher family."
