• Listen live to Neale Daniher's state funeral here from 1pm

Neale Daniher's final farewell will take place at the MCG today with his family, thousands of fans and members of the footy and sporting world expected to attend.

Daniher, who battled MND for 13 years, passed away surrounded by his family on May 25th leaving behind an incredible legacy which stretches well beyond AFL.

In the face of MND Daniher embodied strength, courage, poise and grace throughout his fight against ‘the beast’.

Daniher’s footy exploits as Essendon captain and Melbourne coach were impressive, but not as mighty as his fight against MND which will be regarded as his greatest legacy.

We will bring you updates from the state funeral below from 12pm AEST. Listen on SEN Fanatic and the SEN app from 1pm AEST.

Some beautiful words from two of Neale's grandchildren, Cooper and Poppy.

Cooper Daniher

"When I was born, pops couldn’t hold me with his arms so he found way to rock me with his legs. He couldn’t talk but used his machine to call me a cheeky monkey. He was strong and courageous I hope I can be like him when I grow up. I miss you poppy. Play on."

Poppy Daniher

"I love poppy very much. I wish he would come back. He would rock me to sleep on his legs. I love you pops. I wish he could come back to see us and take me on adventures.

"I wish he could come back to the big freeze. Poppy I see you as a star in the sky. I hope you got to see me push the sliders down. I love you Pop, goodbye."

"I love you darling"

Jan Daniher, Neale's widow and wife of 41 years has just paid tribute to herlate husband. here are some lines from her eulogy.

"Playing sport was incredibly important to both of us. He played football and I played netball. The lessons sport taught us set us up for life; playing as a team discipline and winning and losing.

"Neale loved to learn. He was constantly absorbing.

"Later in life his focus switched to philosophy and psychology. Always wanting to understand people.

"His most important role of all was becoming dad to our four children. It gave him a new perspective on life. He adored being a dad. It gave his life its greatest meaning, He adjusted to every challenge, he always found a way forward and always found meaning in what came next.

"It was in Perth Neale started noticing the weakness in his hands. Facing an MND diagnosis doesn’t prepare you for information there is no cure and expectancy was 27 months. It was almost impossible to believe. He took the challenge head on.

"We all found a new focus and purpose and something to work towards – to fight MND. We never knew what was coming next. It was not easy and was incredibly difficult. We faced the challenges together and never gave up.

"We were so grateful Neale got to meet his six grand children.

"His strength, his resilience, love for family and friends, this is how we will remember Neale. I love you darling."

Bec Daniher

"Dad had a way of looking for the positive in everything. MND set off a grenade but brought us even closer together. It gave me 12 years to work alongside him. He became my coach and confidante. I will carry those lessons with me forever.

"Dad challenged us and pushed us to be better versions of ourselves. A simple well done from my dad meant the world to me.

"Dad could tell a story like no one else. He could pull you in and have you handing on every word. You’d laugh, reflect and find crumbs of wisdom. They would stay with you long after the story ended.

"I was daunted when I started to speak on his behalf when his voice failed him. His message to me was simple; be authentic, be true to yourself.

"Simple words but they grounded me every time.

"Play on became more than a footy term, it was dad's way of thinking.

"He had a spark that made people better by just being around him.

"So much of the person I strive to be comes from you dad. You showed me what really matters. What makes you special is you didn't just do this for me, you did it for countless others.

"My grief comes from such a deep privilege. To the world you inspired so many, to me you were simply my dad.

"In the next week or two, we will welcome a little boy into the world. I know you wanted to meet him. but he will have your spirit and your laugh. We will forever miss you and forever love you."

Lauren Daniher

"Even when the beast was delivering its final blows, the last thing he communicated was that he wanted to get up. His mind was going until the end.

"I will miss coming in the front door and seeing you smile from your chair, I will miss that cheeky grin you had when you typed a smart-arse comment. We will play on for you dad, I love you."

PM Anthony Albanese

“For the second time in three days the mighty MCG belongs to Neale Daniher.

“Neale Daniher was a hero, Neale chose to fight, and in doing so he gave new hope to thousands of Australians living with their own struggles with MND.

“The most remarkable thing about the battle Neale fought so bravely was that it was not for him.

“None of it diminished him. It enlarged him. When he lost his voice his words became more powerful. When he could no longer walk more and more Australians put on their beanies and marched at his side. Because what that brutal disease could never touch, what it could not take away was the very essence of Neale Daniher.

“We will play on for Neale.”

Tributes from Andrew Dillon

"He has done so much incredible work in his life and his legacy will be the awareness and work he has done to find the cure for MND.

"I had the privilege of serving on the board with him at MND and he was engaged until his last days. He was incredible and he will be missed. There are so may great things about Neale but his work will be his legacy."

James Hird

"Neale’s contribution to the world. I’ll reflect on the time I spent with him at Essendon. He was a wonderful man and has a wonderful family.

"When he didn’t play well, after a few drinks at the club, he would tell you all about it. He was straight to the point but a kind and caring person.

"This isn’t about me it’s about his family and all the great work they are doing while dealing with grief."

SEN's Tim Watson who was a dear friend of Neale has paid tribute to the legacy he leaves behind.

"Today is a solemn occasion but I know Neale would not want people to wallow in the occasion," he told Channel 7.

"I know he’s had a big hand in organising today. Play On is about don’t dwell too much on the hurt. We don’t always feel 100% but you have to push on.

"We have to push through and tomorrow is going to be a better day. I often think about Neale on days I’m struggling and how would he approach it?

"I was lucky enough to know him. He wouldn’t want everyone sitting there this afternoon and not having a smile."

Neale's former team mate Paul van der Haar has arrived at the MCG, this is what he had to say about his mate.

"He was a very smart player, very intelligent. It’s so unfortunate he only got his handful of games. We’re here to remember him for his lifestyle.

"There’s a lot of other things in life we were able to enjoy. I have a lot of fond memories. I don’t think you get too many people that would do the same thing as Neale. Most would curl over and say ‘I’m done’.

"I look at it and I go back through life, he was such a great fella. It’s just one of those upsetting things in life."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to lead tributes at Daniher's funeral today as will his widow Jan.

Tributes are also expected from Chris Fagan, former Dees star David Neitz and Daniher's family members.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Governor-General Sam Mostyn will also attend.

“Neale Daniher was a great Australian," Allan said.

“And with the support of his family, Victoria will proudly honour him with a State Memorial Service – a fitting tribute to an extraordinary life and an extraordinary contribution.

“Jan, Lauren, Luke, Bec, Ben, and the wider Daniher clan, our hearts are breaking for you.

“And to Neale, thank you.

“Champion footballer.

“Champion fighter.

“Champion."

Daniher's legacy

He was named the 2025 Australian of the Year for his tireless work with FightMND which was established in 2014.

Despite the hardship he endured late in his life, Daniher’s spirit never broke and he remained steadfast in his approach to beating the beast.

Thanks for everything you did, Neale. Rest In Peace.

State funeral details:

• 1pm on Wednesday, June 10th (AEST)
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• Please enter via Gate 2 from 12.00pm (MCC Members’ Reserve).

Accessibility

The MCG’s G-Train mobility shuttle service will be in operation for patrons who require assistance closer to the entry gate.

Gate 2 at the MCG is accessible. MCG staff will be able to assist you in locating your seating.

For in-venue information, please visit the MCG’s accessibility webpage.

Closed captions will be available on the live stream of the service.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, and at the request of the Daniher family, donations may be made to FightMND. To donate, visit fightMND’s website.