Terry Daniher, a revered figure in Essendon’s history, has shared heartfelt reflections on his late brother Neale, highlighting the courage and selflessness that defined the former player, coach, and community leader. Neale passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire many.
Neale was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2013, but he used this challenge as a catalyst for change. Through his FightMND charity, he raised over $115 million for research into the condition, making a significant impact on the fight against this debilitating illness.
In an interview with SEN, Terry praised his brother’s resilience and dedication. “He has done a marvellous job – that’s through his resilience, his courage and selflessness,” Terry said. He added that Neale was more concerned about others suffering from MND than himself. “He was hellbent on trying to make a difference. We have got to take up the slack now.”
Terry also mentioned that their mother, Edna, had traveled from their family farm in Ungarie, New South Wales, to say goodbye to her son. “She is holding up pretty well. She got down here the other day and caught up with Neale and spent some quiet time with him, and rushed back to the farm. She is handling it well,” he explained.
Tim Watson, another Essendon legend and former captain, described Neale as “an extraordinary human being.” Watson recalled a moment when he was at the MCG and spoke with a professor who specialized in MND. “He said, ‘You know, that bloke over there, he’s such a gift.’ This professor specialised in MND,” Watson said. “I said, ‘What do you mean by that?’ and he said, ‘Well, no one’s ever lived long enough, we’ve never been able to put a face to MND in this country because no one’s ever lived long enough.’”
Neale became the public face of MND, helping people understand the disease better. In recognition of his advocacy, he was named Victorian of the Year in 2019 and Australian of the Year in 2025. He referred to MND as “the beast” and dedicated his life to finding a cure.
Neale played for Essendon between 1979 and 1990, starting as a half-back and playing in 66 consecutive matches in his first three seasons. However, multiple knee injuries derailed what could have been a legendary career. Despite this, he won the Bombers’ best and fairest award in 1981 and was appointed captain for the 1982 season at just 22 years old. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from leading the team.
Terry shared stories of how their father, James, ensured Neale did not play for South Melbourne Football Club (now the Sydney Swans) under the VFL’s country zoning rules. “When I got the flick, got sacked at the club, Neale was in his last year of school. It was a real battle to get him across. Eventually, Dad pulled out that little bit of paper and slapped it on the desk,” Terry said.
Watson reflected on how Neale could have become one of the greats of the game had it not been for his injuries. “He was dealt some really difficult things. He was a young bloke, and I’m not trying to make this any glossier than what it could be, but he could have been one of the greatest players, certainly in the history of the Essendon Football Club and one of the most revered figures,” Watson said.
Neale returned to play five matches in 1985 before being struck down by injury again. Terry went on to captain the club to the 1984-85 premierships. “I never really spoke too much about it,” Terry said of Neale and the disappointment he would have felt.
Neale made a final return in 1989-90, playing 11 matches, including in round 22 of his final season. He joined his siblings Terry, Anthony, and Chris in making history as the first four brothers to play for the same team in a VFL/AFL match.
Terry described Neale as a passionate footballer who loved the game. “He read the game well, he loved it. He really put his mind into it and, like anything, he got the benefit from it,” he said.
Before football, Neale had considered a career in theology, with the goal of joining the clergy. “He did a bit of work on it, trying to get his head around it, like us all. [He] put a bit of time and effort into it, and, of course, coming from a pretty strong Catholic family, certainly Mum, she ran it, she is nearly a saint … but his mind got on to other things,” Terry said.
Neale also pursued a coaching career, working as an assistant with Essendon and Fremantle before becoming the head coach at Melbourne in 1998. Under his leadership, the club reached the 2000 grand final. His final role in clubland was as general manager of football operations at West Coast, which he stepped down from in 2013 due to health reasons.
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