AFL icon Neale Daniher has been named the 2025 Australian of the Year for his ongoing fight and fundraising in the search for a cure for motor neurone disease.
Daniher's impact since co-founding FightMND has substantially impacted the battle against the disease, having helped lead the charge for over a decade.
FightMND has since invested close to $100 million in research funding, with Daniher - who was diagnosed with MND in 2013 - continuing his advocacy in the hope of finding a cure.
“What Neale has been able to achieve since being diagnosed with MND is simply remarkable,” Melbourne president Brad Green said.
“From the incredible amount of funds raised and invested into research, to that cheeky smile we see at the top of the Big Freeze slide each year, Neale's impact on both the football industry and the wider community is unmatched.
“His ruthless fight, alongside his passion and commitment to help others, continues to inspire us all. Neale knows he won't be the beneficiary of his actions, but that only drives him further.
“On behalf of the Melbourne Football Club, I would like to congratulate Neale, as well as wife Jan and children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben, for this well-deserved recognition.”
The Daniher family and FightMND have been a significant inspiration over the past 11 years, with the King's Birthday BigFreeze event and the iconic blue beanies a highlight of each new AFL season.
“Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians,” AFL CEO Andrew 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.”
The AFL has also confirmed the following Australia Day Honours for those who have contributed to Australian Football.
AO
The Hon Cheryl Edwardes – Service to the law, social justice and the community, including a previous term as a commissioner and deputy Chair of the WAFC.
AM
Rob Chapman – Service to Australian football and the financial sector, including a previous 11-year term as Chair of the Adelaide Crows Football Club.
Gaye Hamilton – Service to tertiary education and the community, including former roles as a director of the Western Bulldogs and Chair of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Dr Katherine Martin – Service to medicine and professional associations, including former roles with the Western Region Football League Trainer's Association.
OAM
Shani Cain – Service to youth, including a previous term as a multicultural board member in the Goldfields League.
The late Craig Glennon – Service to sport, including the SANFL as a former league umpire, coach and match-day observer.
Wayne Hinton – Service to Australian football as an umpire for 25 years in the VAFA.
Sean Meltzer – Service to the Jewish community, including past roles with the Ajax FC.
Rod Philp – Service community sport, including roles with the Willeton FC.
Kelli Underwood – Service to broadcasting, including as the first woman to broadcast AFL matches on radio (since 2008) and television (since 2009).
Arthur Barrie Wrigglesworth – Service to cricket and community sport, including roles with the Sale FC.