Neale Daniher AO

Former Australian rules footballer and co-founder, FightMND

2025 VIC Australian of the Year

Neale Daniher AO is a former Australian rules player for the Essendon Football Club where at age 21, he was its youngest captain. Neale won widespread praise and accolades for his actions both on and off the field. 

In 2013, Neale was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a debilitating disease that takes away someone’s use of their arms and legs, then their ability to eat, speak and breathe. 

Since diagnosis, Neale’s been a tireless campaigner in the fight for a cure, co-founding the charity, Fight MND. Over 10 years, Neale has raised millions to help prevent the suffering of those diagnosed with MND in the future – and is often front and centre at the Big Freeze charity event held each year. 

Even in his advanced stages, Neale has never shied away from the public eye and with his courage and relentless drive, remains dedicated to raising awareness and money for medical research.