AFL legend and FightMND campaigner Neale Daniher has been farewelled at a state funeral held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects to the beloved sporting icon and tireless advocate for motor neurone disease research.
Prime Minister Delivers Eulogy
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a heartfelt eulogy, honouring Daniher's extraordinary life and legacy. He praised Daniher's courage in the face of his diagnosis and his relentless efforts to raise awareness and funds for MND through the FightMND campaign.
Outpouring of Emotion
The service was marked by emotional tributes from family, friends, and fellow AFL figures. Daniher's impact on the sport and the broader community was evident in the large turnout and the outpouring of grief across the nation.
Neale Daniher, who played for and coached Essendon and later became a prominent campaigner after being diagnosed with MND in 2013, passed away in May 2026 at the age of 65. His legacy continues through the FightMND foundation, which has raised millions for research.
