Neale Daniher should be recognised with AFL’s new award as he fights, gives hope to fellow MND sufferers

NEALE Daniher continues to bravely fight MND but at the same time deliver hope to fellow sufferers and he should be recognised for his contribution to the community with an AFL award coined back in 2014.

Neale Daniher with Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Magpies players ahead of the Queen’s Birthday clash. Picture: David Caird

NEALE Daniher couldn't give a stuff about monuments and trophies given the fight he has embarked upon.

He is too busy giving one thing to those in his position something much more important: hope.

Daniher has done the rounds of the media again this week, switching into that persona -”The Reverend” — to aggressively raise money for motor neurone disease.

He is an utter delight: consistently hilarious, totally fearless, eloquent about the reasons why we need to conquer this insidious disease.

Recently he announced a $13 million boost to research efforts, centred on 10 research projects across the country attempting to cure MND.

In short, he is a marvel.

Perhaps the only true way to recognise his monumental achievement is to open your wallet to buy a MND beanie or write a cheque to his charity.

Neale Daniher with Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Magpies players ahead of the Queen’s Birthday clash. Picture: David Caird

But that doesn’t mean his extraordinary legacy isn’t worth preserving when he is gone.

Already Daniher has been recognised as the 2016 Melburnian of the Year as well as being a Victorian finalist for the Australian of the Year.

And yet there is a little-known award that would seem a perfect fit for Daniher in more ways than one.

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In 2014 the AFL coined the John Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award and handed it to Lou Richards for his decades of service.

In truth it was something of a sop to Richards for the Hall of Fame’s unwillingness to elevate him to Legend status.

No one since has been handed the award.

Its criteria perfectly fit what Daniher has achieved in his career and determination to conquer this debilitating disease.

Neale Daniher with Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews and fellow MND sufferer Cath Baker to announce millions of dollars has been pledged to fast-track an MND research program. Picture: David Crosling

It is there to periodically celebrate someone who had made an “extraordinary and positive contribution” to football in any combination of playing, coaching, media, umpiring or administration.

Richards’ charity was spread far and wide but according to daughter Nicole Morrison was patron of only one charity.

MND Victoria.

“If you asked me whether I discussed the importance of (the John Kennedy Award) with him I can’t say we did,’’ she told the Herald Sun on Thursday.

“But if you asked me whether Dad thought Neale might be deserving of such a medal I am sure he would have said yes.

“He was the patron of Motor Neurone Disease (Victoria) for many years.”

The Daniher clan Terry, Joe, Neale, Anthony and Chris Daniher unite to fight MND. Picture: Hamish Blair

In truth Lou’s statue outside Collingwood’s home base thrilled him more than being the first recipient of a newly formed award.

To see the delight on Kevin Bartlett’s face this year as he was immortalised in a statue outside the MCG speaks of how he regards it.

Imagine if Daniher was feted with that John Kennedy award on the same day as the 223-game Melbourne coach had a statue unveiled at the MCG.

It would be a continuing reminder of the AFL’s stated policy of making an impact in the community beyond the white line.

MND is known across the world and in America as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the famous New York Yankee who contracted it in 1939.

Daniher’s dream is that he might be the man to help cure it, and he should never go unrecognised for future generations of AFL supporters.