Australian icon Neale Daniher will be honoured with a state funeral at the MCG, the Victorian government has announced.
Daniher died on Monday, aged 65, after a heroic 13-year battle with MND.
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Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed a state funeral will take place on June 10, two days after the annual Big Freeze event at the King’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood.
The much-loved former AFL player and coach touched the lives of many with his tireless work and fundraising for MND.
“Neale championed resilience and determination in every aspect of his life – as a football player, coach and tireless advocate for MND research,” Allan said.
“Neale has left an incredible legacy and he will be remembered for his generosity, humility and courage.”
The Daniher family said Neale was always grateful for the support he received.
“Neale was deeply grateful for the extraordinary support and kindness he received from the Australian community throughout his life,” the family said in a statement.
“That generosity lifted him, sustained him, and meant more to him than words could express.
“As a family, we warmly welcome all those whose lives he touched to join us in celebrating his life and honouring his remarkable legacy.”
Further details on the State Funeral Service, including how to register, will soon be available at vic.gov.au/Neale-Daniher.
At the request of the Daniher family and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FightMND. To donate, visit fightmnd.org.au.
The AFL will pay tribute to Daniher this weekend with players to wear black armbands and a moment of silence before all seven matches.
“As a game, we felt it was important that we come together this weekend to recognise and celebrate Neale’s extraordinary contribution to football and to the wider Australian community,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.
“Neale gave so much to our game as a player, coach and administrator, but his impact extended far beyond football.
“Through his courage, humour, humility and relentless advocacy in the fight against MND, he inspired millions of Australians and gave hope to so many families.
“This weekend is an opportunity for the football community to pause, reflect and honour a remarkable person whose legacy will continue to live across our game and across the country.
“On behalf of the AFL, our clubs, players, coaches, staff, members and supporters, we again extend our deepest condolences to Jan, Bec, Ben, Lauren, Luke and the entire Daniher family.”
Daniher played 82 games for Essendon, but his career was cut short by a string of knee injuries.
He went into coaching and guided Melbourne for a total of 211 games, including taking the Demons to the 2000 grand final.
And while his footprint on football will remain for all to be seen, Daniher transcended the game after he was diagnosed with the incurable MND, or “The Beast” as he called it, in 2013.
Determined to help others living with the disease, Neale co-founded FightMND.
Together with his family and supporters, the organisation has committed over $141 million to medical research and care, to improve the lives of those living with MND, and to find treatments and ultimately a cure.
Neale was named the Victorian of the Year in 2019 and the Australian of the Year in 2025, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions in leading the fight against MND.
