Chairman of the Australian Football League Commission, Mr Richard Goyder, today said all those involved in the wider game of Australian Rules Football congratulated Neale Daniher AO on his confirmation as the 2025 Australian of the Year.
Daniher was named Australian of the Year at a ceremony in Canberra last night for his tireless and brilliant work around fund-raising for a cure for Motor Neurone Disease, which is highlighted by the annual BigFreeze Event as the lead-up to the meeting between Melbourne and Collingwood at the MCG on King’s Birthday each year.
Daniher was a passionate high-achieving senior coach, after his playing career with Essendon as a brilliant attacking young defender was cut short by injury, but his great legacy to Australia has been his drive to find a cure for MND, even as the disease has attacked him over the last decade, Mr Goyder said.
Mr Goyder said Daniher’s example to lead the way in raising millions of dollars, in the face of a debilitating disease, was inspirational and the game was thankful for his wider contribution to Australian life and the search for a cure that would help so many families around the nation.
“Neale Daniher is a very public example of the very best that we see in people - those who step forward to give their time and effort in the support of others in our community,” Mr Goyder said.
“He has been deservedly honoured as Australian of the Year and, on behalf of the AFL Commission and our wider game, I also wish to congratulate and thank the wider Daniher family, including wife Jan and children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben and their partners.
“The AFL and our game also congratulates all those who have been honoured too for service in all other roles in every part of Australian life as state finalists for the Australian of the Year, as well as those Older Australians, Local Heroes and Young Australians who were also recognised for the example they set in their every-day lives.”
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said the league was thrilled with the recognition for Daniher and his family, who have given so much to football and Australian life.
“Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians,” Mr Dillon said.
“His achievements on the football field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary.
“There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit.
“On behalf of everyone at the AFL and our clubs, we congratulate Neale and his family on this tremendous honour of being named Australian of the year.”
