BREAKING: Premier Jacinta Allan has just confirmed there will be a state funeral for Neale Daniher.
His family released a statement a short time ago, part of which reads, “We’re heartbroken to share that our much-loved husband, Dad and Poppy, Neale Daniher, passed away at home, surrounded by his family.
“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.”
That caption
That’ll set the cookers off big time.
Premier Jacinta Allan’s tribute to Neale Daniher
Vale Neale Daniher AO
Seven extends The Agenda Setters in tribute to a life of extraordinary impact, tonight on Seven and 7plus Sport
The Seven Network is deeply saddened by the passing of Australian Football legend and Co-Founder and Patron of FightMND, Neale Daniher AO, who passed away today at 65 years of age.
A revered figure across Australian sport, Neale’s legacy extends far beyond football. Admired as a player, coach and leader, he became one of the nation’s most inspiring voices following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease in 2013, leading the fight to raise awareness and vital funding for research through FightMND.
Known for his resilience, humour and unwavering optimism, Neale united the football community and inspired millions of Australians with his message to fight the disease he referred to as “The Beast”.
Tonight, Seven will honour Neale’s extraordinary life and legacy with a special tribute in 7NEWS live at 6.00pm, followed by an extended 90-minute edition of The Agenda Setters from 7.30pm on 7mate and 7plus Sport.
The special 90-minute edition will open with an extended obituary honouring Neale’s life and legacy, before moving into the program’s regular The Agenda Setters coverage.
The broadcast will then conclude with an additional 30-minute segment dedicated entirely to Neale Daniher AO, featuring a special guest panel reflecting on his impact on Australian sport, his courageous and public battle with Motor Neurone Disease, and the movement he inspired through FightMND.
Seven will also broadcast an encore of Neale Daniher’s inspiring Unfiltered episode from 2025, at 9.30pm Wednesday, 27 May on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Seven’s longtime Big Freeze host, Hamish McLachlan said: “Neale was the best of humans. And a teacher to us all.
“Neale showed us all what is possible, and how to live a life full of purpose, rather than just live. And he showed us the attitude we choose each day, is entirely up to us.
“He changed the way I look at the world. And in doing so, inadvertently changed the way my children live their lives. And I dare say thousands of families live a more positive life after being touched by Neale’s formidable approach.
“Neale transformed personal adversity into national inspiration. How many can do that?
“He introduced us to MND and rallied us in his fight against it with courage, humour and a relentless determination. He included us, taught us and galvanized us all, as he did.
“No one has had a bigger impact on my life. I feel blessed that our paths crossed. I am terribly sad he has gone but feel a sense of privilege to have learnt so much simply by spending time by his side.”
Seven Network Director of Sport, Chris Jones said: “Neale showed us that true courage isn’t measured by the battles we face, but by how we face them. With humour, humility and relentless determination, he inspired a nation to stand together in the fight against MND.
"He gave us more than a cause – he gave us hope.
"Last year he said, ‘Life is a team game’. It has been a privilege for our Seven Network family to share the Big Freeze journey with Neale, his family and all Australians. Alongside his daughter, Bec and the FightMND team, we will continue to fight this disease with the same unwavering spirit he inspired in all of us.
“Our thoughts are with Jan, Luke, Lauren, Ben, Bec and the entire Daniher family on this incredibly difficult day. Neale’s impact will be felt for many years to come.”
Since Neale Daniher AO was first diagnosed with MND, the fundraising efforts from the Big Freeze game have seen more than $100m contributed to research projects, with Daniher being recognised by the Australian Government for his service to the community with an AM in 2016, an AO in 2021 and then named as Australian of the Year in 2025.
There was a minute’s silence during Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives sitting this afternoon, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Liberal leader Angus Taylor paying tributes.
Very sad news.
Feels eerie hearing this just 4 days after NRL player Jai Arrow announced his immediate retirement from the game due to the same disease.
I have to say this hits close to home for me. My maternal grandmother died from MND some years ago aged 76 and I have a cousin who has been diagnosed with it only in the past year. RIP Neale Daniher and thank you for your work in highlighting this insidious disease.
My uncle had a form of it too, doctors couldn’t say exactly what it was that he had, it just wasted his muscles away very slowly (like MND does) but over a period of 47 years.
My father had it so close to home for me as well. He died about 2 years into his journey with the illness when I was 18.
Pete Graham has posted on Facebook that former 2UE and 2WS broadcaster Steve Raymond has passed away. I do believe he was also a TV presenter at one stage hosting game show Casino 10.
One thing I do remember about him was hearing the audio clip of him announcing on 2WS back in 1984 that a car accident had claimed the lives of some Wesgo executives. The company that ran 2WS at the time.
Sad news.. was he related to Channel Seven commentator Mike Raymond? (who I think was also based in Sydney).