‘No bigger champion than Neale’: Beloved Daniher takes top honour
After years of Victorians calling for it, AFL legend and MND warrior Neale Daniher has been named the 2025 Australian of the Year for our state.
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Footballing champion turned MND warrior Neale Daniher has claimed another honour, after being named the 2025 Australian of the Year for Victoria.
Daniher was acknowledged at an awards night held at Victorian Arts Centre on Friday which recognised the exceptional work of people in each state and territory.
Daniher had a stellar football career at Essendon Football club, where he started playing at 21-years-old, becoming the clubs youngest captain in 1982.
His career spanned from 1979 to 1990, and in his final year he played a game alongside all three of his brothers, becoming the first quartet of siblings to ever play an AFL game together.
But it was in 2013 after being diagnosed with MND that Daniher really became a champion of the people.
Since his diagnosis with the debilitating disease that takes the use of the sufferers arms and legs, and their ability to eat, speak and breathe, Daniher has championed the fight to find a cure.
He co-founded the charity, Fight MND, and in the decade since has raised millions of dollars to help find that cure, and ways to ease the pain of sufferers.
The Big Freeze match held at the MCG every year has become a highlight of the AFL fixture, with the city of Melbourne and the rest of Australia turning blue as population adorns the popular annual Fight MND beanie.
Daniher was accompanied at the awards ceremony by his wife Jan, and daughters Bec and Lauren, with Jan accompanying him on stage to accept his award from Premier Jacinta Allan.
Jan, who also spoke on Neale’s behalf, said it was an honour to be recognised for the fight against such a crippling illness, but there was still plenty work ahead.
“The reason this is all happening is because of the people around Australia who support Fight MND and those who have MND,” she said.
“The reason we keep going is because in the years ahead, when we hear someone has been diagnosed with MND, we want them to have hope, we want there to be some treatments, we want there to be a cure.
“So, we will keep working and Neale will keep working for as long as he can.”
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon was one of the first to congratulate Daniher on the recognition.
“There’s no bigger champion than Neale,” he said. “He is an inspiration to many millions of Australians.
“His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary.
“On behalf of everyone at the AFL, we congratulate Neale and his family on this tremendous honour of being named the Victorian of the year.”
National Australia Day Council chief executive Mark Fraser praised Danihers fighting spirit.
“The Victorian award recipients are inspirational in their achievements and dedication, and we look forward to welcoming them to Canberra,” he said.
“Neale’s strength and courage have captured people’s hearts and brought the fight against MND to the forefront.”
Other winners on the night were health campaigner, Dr Peter Brukner OAM who took home Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria.
AI and automation entrepreneur, Aishwarya Kansakar was honoured as the Young Australian of the Year for Victoria.
While Jasmine Hirst, football advocate for women, was the 2025 Local Hero for Victoria.
The Victoria recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2025.
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