Neale Daniher photo gallery: Football icon’s incredibly inspiring life in pictures
Football icon Neale Daniher has died after a public and inspirational fight with motor neurone disease that lasted more than a decade.
Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and doctors didn’t expect him to live for more than three years after his diagnosis.
He was an incredibly talented player, won a best-and-fairest at Essendon and captained the club before moving into coaching.
He worked as an assistant at Essendon and was part of the team that won the 1993 flag.
Daniher then moved to Western Australia to help Fremantle for their entry into the AFL.
Take a look back at his life in pictures.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Australian of the Year Neale Daniher after the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards at the National Arboretum in 2025. Picture: MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
Garry Lyon, Samantha Lane, Brian Taylor, Neale Daniher and Tim Watson. Picture: Aaron Kirby/Supplied
Neale Daniher is seen along with family during the Hand In Hand Crossing for Inclusion in East Perth in 2025. Picture: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian
Justin Langer, former Australian cricketer and coach, goes down the slide as Neale Daniher looks on for Big FightMND Freeze in 2022. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Neale Daniher and former Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson. Picture: Michael Klein
AFL legend Neale Daniher with former Eagles coach Adam Simpson. Picture: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
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Neale Daniher’s legacy lives on.
