Stephen Delaney

[. @thesull04]

“One cannot be the keeper of footballs dirtiest secret as well as the beacon of transparency and integrity in Australian rules”, spot on.

And @ClarkyHeraldSun , you are having a career week. Outstanding bravery calling this out despite HQ’s best effort to silence it.

[Melbourne Storm @storm]

Melbourne Storm is deeply saddened & wishes to offer its condolences to the Daniher family following the passing of Neale Daniher.

Neale’s resilience and dedication has been an inspiration to many around Australia in his fight against MND.

His legacy will be remembered forever

[GahNotThisAgain @GahNotThisAgain]

RIP Neale Daniher 🌺🙏🌺

[Xander McGuire @XanderMcGuire7]

Neale Daniher has passed away after a long and courageous fight with MND.

His family has released the following statement confirming the news:

"We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family.

From day one, Neale was a fighter. His determination was unmatched - choosing every day to find opportunity where others might see only challenge, and taking the fight to the Beast with everything he had.

Even in the toughest times, he kept pushing forward, determined to land as many blows as he could against his toughest opponent, all with a cheeky grin and a sharp sense of humour that never left him.

Long before MND, Neale had always been the heart of our family.

Growing up as one of eleven children, he brought light and laughter wherever he went.

He loved deeply and was loved just as much in return by his family and friends.

Across every part of his life, Neale left his mark.

Many knew him as “Coach” or “Reverend” during his time at the Dees, while at the Dons he was respected as a fierce and calculating player, with a brilliant football mind.

He was a natural leader, someone people were drawn to and looked up to.

But beyond all of that, he was a loving husband, dad, a proud Poppy, a music lover, and the one with the biggest laugh in the room.

He was known for his quick wit, his humour, and his ability to bring people together - qualities that defined him far more than any title ever could.

We want to thank the incredible community who stood beside Neale and our family throughout this journey.

Your support, kindness, and unwavering belief meant more than we could ever put into words. Neale drew great strength from knowing he was never alone, and neither were we.

We are so grateful to the incredible carers, nurses, doctors, researchers, and specialists who supported Neale and our family with such dedication and compassion. Thank you.

Neale’s fight was never his alone. It became something bigger - something shared - and it touched the lives of many.

His wish was simple but powerful - to help create a world where no one has to face this disease. But beyond that he wanted to leave a legacy that says this “No matter the odds, no matter the diagnosis, we all have the power to fight, to smile, and to do.

Because the mark of a person isn’t what they say, "it’s what they do”.

We will forever remember him for the lasting impact that he has made on us all. He has inspired, he has loved, he has lived and it would only be fitting to finish with his words - Play On."

@7AFL @7NewsMelbourne

[Stephen Delaney @stephendelaneyx]

What a terribly sad day.

[Essendon FC @essendonfc]

A Club Hall of Fame Legend whose unbreakable spirit inspired the nation.

Our thoughts are with Neale’s friends, the Daniher family and the EFC community at this time ❤️

[Tasmania Football Club @FC_Tasmania]

Neale Daniher was a true inspiration to us all.

A man whose determination, courage and spirit inspired so many, his impact extended far beyond the game of football.

Our thoughts are with the Daniher family and all those who loved him.

[7AFL @7AFL]

Everyone at Seven is deeply saddened to learn of Neale Daniher’s passing.

Neale was an inspiration for all throughout his courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease, with the Big Freeze becoming a yearly institution.

Our thoughts go out to Neale’s family, friends, and everyone affected by MND at this difficult time 🙏

@FightMND

[Ando @Tigers_of_Old]

Some deaths hit different.
What a legacy. What a legend. What a human being.
RIP Neale Daniher.💙

[Ronny Lerner @RonnyLerner]

What an incredibly sad day this is not just for footy but for Australia. The great incomparable Neale Daniher has left us.

A superstar player with Essendon whose career was cruelly curtailed by injury, who then went on to coach Melbourne and achieve the very rare feat of taking them to a grand final. But no doubt he made his biggest impact after footy.

When diagnosed with MND, he turned lemons into lemonade and spearheaded Fight MND as well as the annual King’s Birthday Big Freeze which has helped raise millions of dollars to find a cure for the deadly disease.

Initially given 27 months to live when diagnosed, he made a mockery of that assessment and lived another 13 years! Was rightly made Australian of the Year last year. A fighter to the very end, and inspiration to one and all. We will miss you, Neale ❤️

My condolences go out to his family, friends, players, former teammates and countless Australians he has helped by raising awareness around MND

[Fox Footy @FOXFOOTY]

BREAKING

An icon of the AFL, and one of the most courageous men you'll ever see.

More than 12 years after being diagnosed with MND, the 2025 Australian of the Year has passed away.

Rest in peace, Neale Daniher.

Story: https://t.co/FK1ifL3e2Y

[Footy on Nine @FootyonNine]

Rest in peace, Neale ❤️

A legacy that transcends sport.

[SEN 1116 @1116sen]

A man who meant so much to so many. 😢

Neale Daniher has passed away aged 65 after a courageous battle with MND. 💔

Australian of the Year. Inspiration. Fighter. Legend.

Rest easy, Neale. 🕊️

[Melbourne Cricket Ground @MCG]

Vale, Neale 💙

An inspiration to us all.

[AFL @AFL]

A man that's had an impact on all of us 💙

Legendary football figure, former Australian of the Year and FightMND campaigner Neale Daniher has passed away, aged 65.

[Richmond FC 🐯 @Richmond_FC]

The Richmond Football Club joins the entire community in mourning the loss of Neale Daniher. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Daniher family.

[Richmond FC 🐯 @Richmond_FC]

You better believe it, Burto! 😍

Tom Burton will make his AFL debut on Friday night at the MCG! 🙌 Read more: https://t.co/eonwjWweOk

[Richmond FC 🐯 @Richmond_FC]

"Have fun and celebrate, be a good teammate" 🥹

Go behind-the-scenes as Sam Cumming finds out he will make his AFL debut 🙌

[Stephen Delaney @stephendelaneyx]

That’s so good ❤️

[Richmond FC 🐯 @Richmond_FC]

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them"

[ABC SPORT @abcsport]

A world-class run from Sha'Carri Richardson at the Stawell Gift! ⛹️

The American sprint star becomes just the third woman to win the famous race from scratch, and for the second year running after Bree Rizzo won last year's event.

The Olympic gold medallist won in a time of 13.15 seconds to claim the handicap race.

Read more: https://t.co/g9K1cd2vtg
Keep up with all the latest sport news and analysis on ABC listen: https://t.co/UUIIDPDjKJ

[10 Sport @10SportAU]

Olympic champion Sha’Carri Richardson has powered to victory in the women’s Stawell Gift final, winning from scratch.

The American star gave rivals up to nine metres head start, still managing to win in 13.15 seconds.

She is the third woman to win the historic handicap race from scratch.