Neale Daniher to be remembered with state funeral, premier reveals

Neale Daniher, a towering figure in Australian Rules Football for nearly half a century, will be honored with a state funeral, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced Monday. Daniher passed away 12 years after his diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND), having dedicated his later years to an immense campaign to combat the debilitating neurological condition.

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The family have accepted that offer of a state funeral and arrangements will follow.

Allan expressed her condolences to Daniher's wife, Jan, and his family, stating that the thoughts and love of all Victorians are with them. Daniher's death occurs just two weeks before the 12th annual Big Freeze fundraiser, an event he spearheaded to raise funds and awareness for MND research.

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Right now, my thoughts and love go to Jan and the family, and I know the thoughts and love of all Victorians will be going to the Daniher family as we hold them in our hearts today.

Premier Allan acknowledged Daniher's "incredible contribution" to the AFL but emphasized his equally significant determination to find a cure for MND. She noted that his efforts have profoundly impacted countless families nationwide, a dedication recognized during his Australian of the Year award. Allan pledged continued support for the Daniher family and the ongoing fight against "the beast" of MND.

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That has touched the lives of so, so many families around the nation, as was recognised during his Australian of the Year recognition.

The AFL community mourned the loss, with AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon calling it a "devastating loss" not only for those who knew Daniher personally but for the entire community, citing his profound selflessness. Daniher's passing also comes less than a week after NRL star Jai Arrow revealed his own MND diagnosis late last year.

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We're with [Neale's family] right now, and we'll continue to be with [them] as we keep up Neale's fight against 'the beast' and find a cure for MND.