Neale Daniher had everything taken from him, except his courage and humanity.

The man who became the symbol of the fight against MND has died aged 65.

Daniher's family released a statement saying the former AFL player and coach died on Monday at home.

It is a fortnight until the annual Collingwood-Melbourne King's Birthday match at the MCG, which has become a major fundraiser for MND research through the Big Freeze pre-game promotion.

Daniher was Australian Of The Year in 2025 and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes.

"With the passing of Neale Daniher, we all grieve for the great Australian," Albanese said in parliament.

The PM noted that the average life expectancy for motor neurone disease was 27 months when Daniher was diagnosed, but he fought for 13 years.

"Neale fought what he called The Beast with the courage, optimism, and passion that brought hope and inspiration into the lives of everyone affected by MND," he added.

"I think it is safe to say that there has never been an (Australian of the Year) award so unanimously agreed to by every single Australian."

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has confirmed a state memorial service for Daniher.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and Melbourne, the club Daniher led to the 2000 grand final as coach, also hailed him as a selfless and extraordinary man who inspired all Australians. Essendon, where Daniher played 82 games, remembered him as a "true icon" of the club.

He was diagnosed in 2013 with MND, which is incurable and fatal. It eventually confined Daniher to a wheelchair and he also lost his speech.

Daniher devoted the rest of his life to raising money for medical research and advocated for other people suffering from the disease. He helped start the FightMND charity and was its figurehead.

Once Daniher could not talk, he used technology to continue communicating through a screen. His second book, detailing his attitude to life and what had happened to him, was released last year.

"We're heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family," the Danihers said in their statement.

"From day one, Neale was a fighter. His determination was unmatched - choosing every day to find opportunity where others might see only challenge, and taking the fight to the Beast with everything he had."

As we honour Neale's legacy, let's rewind to his finest hour in Essendon colours - cementing one of our most famous wins over the Blues. pic.twitter.com/RmKM4ywX7F? Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 25, 2026

The statement added that long before the illness, Daniher had been the heart of his family.

He was one of 11 children raised by Jim and Edna Daniher on a farm at Ungarie, New South Wales.

They formed one of the greatest dynasties in Australian sporting history. Neale, along with Terry, Anthony and Chris, made history in September 1990 when they played in the same Essendon team.

Knee injuries cruelled Daniher's playing career and he then coached Melbourne for nearly a decade, earning the nickname The Reverend.

He was football manager at West Coast when his time in AFL ended because of the MND diagnosis.

"Across every part of his life, Neale left his mark," his family said, adding he was a natural leader.

"But beyond all of that, he was a loving husband, dad, a proud Poppy, a music lover, and the one with the biggest laugh in the room."

A Club Hall of Fame Legend whose unbreakable spirit inspired the nation.Our thoughts are with Neale's friends, the Daniher family and the EFC community at this time ?? pic.twitter.com/Tl0lLILfC2? Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 25, 2026

Daniher's family also thanked the community that supported them during his illness.

"Neale's fight was never his alone. It became something bigger - something shared - and it touched the lives of many," they said.

"His wish was simple but powerful - to help create a world where no one has to face this disease. But beyond that he wanted to leave a legacy that says this - 'no matter the odds, no matter the diagnosis, we all have the power to fight, to smile, and to do.

"Because the mark of a person isn't what they say, 'it's what they do'.

"We will forever remember him for the lasting impact that he has made on us all. He has inspired, he has loved, he has lived and it would only be fitting to finish with his words - Play On."