News RIP Neale Daniher

[gordo2016]

Would love to hear from anyone here who watched him play before the knee. His torn-down potential was already part of footy folklore when I started following in ‘86.

The match when he played with his three brothers was also a huge celebration.

Saw him play a couple of times live before his first knee injury and he looked like he would become a jet. Seemed to have ages to get rid of the ball, made good decisions and had great composure for someone of that age. Just looked like a natural footballer , made the game look easy.

 

[PerthBoy86]

Even though it was coming for so long, Neale fought on to help fight MND, but also just to live life. What a legend of the game and wider community. Still hits hard, and I'm actually a little teary even if I didn't know him. There'll be added emotion at this year's Big Freeze.

 

[gordo2016]

Will forever be an inspiration. Extraordinary courage against all the odds. RIP.

 

[Glenn_]

The tenacity with which he fought against MND was the same tenacity on the field in his playing days.
The legacy of the Fight MND will be forever a testament to the vision, and the memory of Neale

 

[Rotayjay]

Vale Neale, a tireless advocate to the very end. I'm really glad he got to see a Demons premiership before he went.

 

[Doc1763]

Courage, determination and dignity, Neale had it in spades. Sharing his fight with us has been such a gift, and it will continue to be so.
Even though we knew it was coming soon, it still hits you.
Hopefully, we can pack out the MCG on King's Birthday as a mark of respect to someone who gave so much of himself.
Vale Neale, your suffering is over, but your legacy will live forever.

 

[Pavlovs Cat]

Farewell Mr Daniher. An inspirational, courageous human. Rest in Peace.

 

[Astro35]

Vale to the man of dignity and courage

 

[rdhopkins2]

If it’s possible to lose but win, Neale did exactly that.

MND may have prematurely ended his life but the legacy Neale Daniher left behind is immeasurable. It’s not just about the money raised for MND research but the inspiration he provided to other sufferers, their loved ones and those who will go onto become the medical and research professionals of tomorrow. A legend of the game but more importantly a legend of society.

We will celebrate a wonderful life.
My thoughts are with your family & all who knew and looked up to Neale from afar.

 

[KennyHuntersBlues]

Was there for “that” ‘81 game v the blues. Saw all his career actually. Moorabbin the four brothers, amazing.
Then to see what he’s done for this prick of a disease which he has suffered from.
What a warrior.

Yeah I was there in 81 as well
Very versatile and courageous player
Knew we were in big trouble when he got the ball, just had a feeling he would kick it
Broke a lot of hearts that day
How could you not forgive such a great inspirational man though
R.I.P Neale

 

[jj1978]

RIP Neale and condolences to his family and loved ones.

Now AFL you can do something momentous here, Kings birthday round all profits from all games to go to MND.

 

[Exambolor]

Look, Warney was a great cricketer, but I have long felt that the MCC missed a trick in not re-naming the Great Southern Stand as the Neale Daniher Stand, and not doing so while he was still alive.

The man's contributions in fighting and making visible one of the worst death sentence diseases on earth have been extraordinary and go beyond football.

They’ve named the path to the G, Daniher’s Way a few years back

 

[windyhill]

Yeah I was there in 81 as well
Very versatile and courageous player
Knew we were in big trouble when he got the ball, just had a feeling he would kick it
Broke a lot of hearts that day
How could you not forgive such a great inspirational man though
R.I.P Neale

Cheers KHB, love you mate. It’s my one wish that his actual football career is not forgotten. He was that fck good.

 

[Shane Heard]

I was 9 years old when he came to Windy Hill. We thought Terry was a young gun..along with Vanders, Watson , Neagle and co.

But Neale was another level up …at 20
Years old.


Within 10 games he was our best player and a revelation at halfback. Beautifully balanced, gliding runner with time and awareness who set up plays with his wonderful kicking skills.



Everyone loved him. We thought he would return and play 300.. but more knee injuries later killed the dream.



Sheedy sacked Simon Madden after 1981 season and made Neale captain. Unfortunately he never played as captain after doing his knee pre season 82’

A great player …great coach …a good man.

• VFL Recruit of the Year 1978
• Victorian representative (2 games)
• New South Wales representative (1 game)
• Essendon Best and Fairest 1981
• Essendon captain 1982

96 EFC games - 68 goals

 

[Rod Stroker]

wow. was given a 27 months life expectancy. In the end he got 150+. Says it all. Determined, strong willed, resilient.

 

[Shane Heard]

 

[Darksidepoints]

What a gut punch.

The man was a living symbol of hope and determination.

He wasnt supposed to live on for more than a few years when first diagnosed.

Absolute legend.

RIP Rev'

 

[PiCkLeJuiCe]

For the love of god, please make the KB game between Melbourne and Essendon. It staggers me that this hasn't happened yet.

 

[unitedhawk2]

'Great' is one of the most misused adjectives in the English language, often utilised when 'good' would be more than sufficient.

However, one man for whom 'great' seemed utterly inadequate was Neale Daniher.

He has left a legacy that will last for generations, perhaps even centuries and beyond.

Rest in peace, Neale.

 

[jakson68]

RIP great man
The world is a far better place after having you grace it with your presence.
Will be fondly remembered for both the incredible life that was lived but also the phenomenal legacy, that will live on and grow from strength to strength.

 

[jj1978]

For the love of god, please make the KB game between Melbourne and Essendon. It staggers me that this hasn't happened yet.

AFLs logic === $$$

 

[Neese]

So sad.
Great player and even better human.
He took his horrible disease and made a movement out of it with utter courage and grace.
Absolute class and many condolences to his family, friends, team mates and all who he inspired <3

 

[OniAu]

It's horrifying that we can be taken against our will at any moment or face something that has an inevitable end.

People like Neale show the strength you can muster to take it head on. Hugely inspirational, just seemed like a genuinely all-around nice bloke.

How sad. Kings Birthday will be a special day.

Agree with a previous poster , change the fixture to Essendon vs Melbourne

 

[Cool Kangas]

 

[Arr0w]

Was there at PP round 20 1981. Come from behind win and Daniher played a major role, so composed

Naturally gifted as a player, unfortunately cut short by injury. As a coach, was also an amazing ambassador for the game

Away from footy, an absolute gentleman

RIP