The AFL tonight announced that former player, coach and administrator and co-founder of Fight MND, Neale Daniher, has been awarded the John Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Daniher was presented with the honour at the official pre-game function before tonight’s First Elimination Final, between Melbourne and the Geelong Cats at the MCG.

Introduced by the AFL Commission in 2012, Daniher is just the fourth recipient of the award named in honour of former AFL Commission Chairman and Australian Football Hall of Member, John Kennedy senior.

The John Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award recognises those who have made an extraordinary and positive contribution to the game of Australian Football across multiple parts of the game, be that as an administrator, media representative, player, coach or field umpire.

Daniher is only the fourth recipient behind the late Lou Richards, Dr Allen Aylett and Bob Hammond, recognising his immense contribution to the game across multiple different roles.

An AFL Life member for services as a player and coach, Daniher’s on-field career at the elite level began in 1979 with Essendon, where he played a total of 82 games with the club.

He was the Bombers’ best and fairest in 1981 and had been named club captain in 1982 before knee injuries restricted his career up until his retirement from AFL level as a player in 1990.

Daniher returned to Essendon in 1992 as an assistant coach and had a stint with Fremantle from 1995-97 as an assistant coach when the Dockers entered the league.

He took up the position as head coach of the Melbourne Football Club in 1998, coaching the side in 223 games, among them 12 finals and the 2000 Grand Final against Essendon.

In 2014, Daniher was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, prompting him to found FightMND, with the purpose of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.

Under his extraordinary leadership, FightMND has raised more than $35 million for research into curing MND, by funding clinical trials, research projects and drug screening.

AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder said the Commission and the wider football community could not be more proud of the dedication and hard work Daniher had done in the face of major adversity.

“Neale made an immense contribution to our game as a player, coach and administrator across more than three decades, playing, coaching and working at elite level on both sides of the country,” Mr Goyder said.

“Since he was diagnosed with illness, he has continued to work and lead and Neale has found a way to unite the football community in a manner that has rarely been seen.

“The impact of the Big Freeze at the G has been inspiring and fans across the country have responded by supporting the fight against MND in any way they can.

“In just four years, the efforts to have raised $35 million will leave a lasting legacy. The AFL Commission and our wider game are proud to have such a wonderful person as part of our industry, and it is our honour to present him with the John Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award.”