AFL legend Neale Daniher has been named the 2025 Victorian Australian of the Year, honoured for his tireless efforts in raising awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND).
The former Essendon and Melbourne great received the accolade at an awards ceremony held at the Melbourne Arts Centre on Friday night, where he was accompanied by his wife, Jan, and daughters, Bec and Lauren.
Daniher, diagnosed with MND in 2013, has been a vocal advocate in the fight against the debilitating illness, often referred to as "The Beast."
His co-founding of the charity FightMND has raised millions of dollars for research, including through the popular "Big Freeze at the 'G" event.
Held annually during the AFL's King's Birthday clash, this initiative sees celebrities plunge into icy water to raise money and awareness. In its tenth year in 2024, the Big Freeze raised over $20 million, bringing vital attention to the search for a cure.
Upon receiving the award, Daniher, who now communicates through assistive technology due to the progression of his disease, shared a grateful smile with the audience.
In a statement posted on social media, he expressed his humility, saying, “While it is not the reason we do what we do, I am humbled and honoured to be named as Victoria's Australian of the Year.”
His wife, Jan, spoke on his behalf, highlighting the importance of their ongoing mission.
"When Neale was diagnosed, there were no clinical trials available for MND. Our aim is that in the future, when someone is diagnosed, they will have hope, access to treatments, and the possibility of a cure," she said.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon praised Daniher, calling him an inspiration and a champion both on and off the field.
"His legacy in raising awareness for MND is legendary," Dillon remarked.
Daniher's dedication to his cause has seen him receive several accolades over the years. In 2016, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, and in 2021, he was promoted to an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service in advocating for MND patients and their families.
Other recipients at the awards night included sports medicine leader Peter Brukner, who was named the 2025 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year for his work in chronic disease prevention, Aishwarya Kansakar as the Young Australian of the Year for her achievements in AI and STEM education, and Jasmine Hirst as the 2025 Victorian Local Hero for her advocacy in women's football.
Daniher will now represent Victoria at the national Australian of the Year awards, set to be announced in Canberra on January 25, 2025.
His recognition is as a testament to his unyielding spirit and the significant impact his work has made in bringing MND awareness to the forefront of Australian society.