Neale Daniher set to be awarded prestigious new honour

Neale Daniher is set to join the likes of Tour de France winner Cadel Evens and Olympian Cathy Freeman when he accepts one of the most prestigious awards in Victorian sport on Friday.

Inspirational FightMND co-founder Neale Daniher is set to be awarded one of the most prestigious awards in Victorian sport.

The man behind next month’s Big Freeze at the ‘G’ event will on Friday be unveiled as Vic Sport’s top award winner for “outstanding services to sport’’.

The former Essendon star and Melbourne coach follows triple premiership Richmond chief executive Peggy O’Neil to receive Vic Sport’s highest honour.

Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, footy legend Kevin Sheedy, America’s Cup hero John Bertrand and Olympic golden girl Cathy Freeman have also received the accolade previously.

Neale Daniher and wife Jan at home with the Vic Sports trophy he is set to receive. Picture: David Caird

Daniher told the Herald Sun he was humbled by the accolade but, typically, hoped to use it as a platform to shine a light on MND and his effort’s to find a cure.

“It’s a wonderful honour to be named among some of this state’s great sports men and women, including my old mate Sheeds and Dees greats Jim Stynes and Ronald Barassi,’’ he said.

“I think I owe sport more than it owes me, as it has been a huge part of my life since I was a teenager and given me such terrific life experiences.’’

Daniher will be bestowed the honour at the Victorian Sport Awards on June 7, celebrating his “outstanding achievement in’’ and “contribution to sport in Victoria.”

Daniher was proud to join such an esteemed list after dedicating his life to educating Australians about MND and raising money for research to treat and ultimately cure the cruel disease he was diagnosed with in 2013.

Neale Daniher has helped raise more than $50m since co-founding FightMND in 2014. Picture: David Caird

“This award allows me another opportunity to highlight the battle against the beast, and I thank everyone who has been a part of that fight and has purchased beanies and donated,’’ he said.

“We need to maintain our focus on beating this and for everyone to be ‘all-in’ to make sure that we find a way to overcome this insidious disease.’’

Vicsport chief executive Lisa Hasker said: “Neale’s achievements within sport as a player and coach were amazing yet his work with FightMND has been even more incredible.

“Neale has worked tirelessly to support the cause and use the power of sport.’’

Daniher has helped raise more than $50m since co-founding FightMND in 2014.

He was named 2019 Victorian of the Year, acknowledged with a Member of the Order of Australia in 2016 and elevated to an Officer of the order of Australia in 2021.

Big Freeze beanies to raise funds for FightMND are available at fightmnd.org.au, Coles and Bunnings.