Former AFL player and Melbourne coach Neale Daniher has died at the age of 65 after a long and highly public battle with motor neurone disease (MND).His death, confirmed on Monday, prompted widespread tributes from across Australian football, politics, and the broader community.

Daniher had been diagnosed with MND in 2013 and became one of the nation’s most prominent advocates for awareness and research into the disease through his work with the FightMND charity and the Big Freeze fundraiser.

Friends and former teammates gathered at the MCG following news of his passing, describing him as inspirational, selfless, and determined despite the progression of his illness.

Former Melbourne captain David Neitz said Daniher remained mentally sharp even as the disease advanced, noting that his resilience and humour never faded.

AFL officials, including chief executive Andrew Dillon, described the sport as heartbroken, highlighting Daniher’s influence both as a player for Essendon and as Melbourne coach, where he led the club for a decade and guided them to a grand final in 2000.

Daniher’s career as a player was shaped by injuries, limiting him to 82 VFL/AFL games, though he still captained Essendon and won a best and fairest award.His coaching tenure at Melbourne from 1998 to 2007 earned him respect for his leadership and ability to inspire players.Beyond football, he became a national figure in health advocacy, named Victorian of the Year in 2019 and Australian of the Year in 2025.Political leaders, including the Prime Minister and Victorian Premier, paid tribute and confirmed he would receive a state memorial service.Daniher is survived by his wife Jan and their four children.His legacy is widely regarded as extending far beyond sport, particularly through his relentless campaigning for MND research and support.