Neale Daniher AO lived a life that expanded beyond the bounds of the football field.
He made his first mark on the football field at 17, before going on to play 82 games for the Essendon Football Club from 1970 to 1990.
It was during his time with the Bombers that Neale would face his first test of resilience, with a series of knee injuries that would prematurely end his playing career.
However, his talent and passion for the sport led to him becoming senior coach for the Melbourne Football Club in 1998. His ambitious and dedicated leadership guided the Demons to the 2000 AFL Grand Final and through a ten-year coaching tenure, where he became affectionately known as ‘The Reverend’.
In 2013, Neale was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), or 'The Beast' as he called it.
Determined to help others living with the disease, Neale co-founded FightMND. Together with his family and supporters, FightMND has committed over $141 million to medical research and care, to improve the lives of those living with MND, and to find treatments and ultimately a cure.
Neale was named the Victorian of the Year in 2019 and the Australian of the Year in 2025, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions in leading the fight against MND, inspiring millions of Australians with hope.
In the face of profound adversity, Neale became a beacon of hope and will be remembered for his generosity, humility and courage.
Date
Wednesday, 10 June 2026.
Time
The State Funeral Service will commence at 1:00pm.
Location
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Please enter via Gate 2 from 12.00pm (MCC Members’ Reserve).
Tickets
More information, including how to register, will be made available on this page as details are confirmed.
Live Stream
The State Funeral Service will be live streamed on this page for those unable to attend.
A link to view the live stream will be available closer to the event.
How to get there
Arriving to the MCG by public transport is recommended.
By public transport
Please check the Transport Victoria website for up-to-date information about public transport on the day.
The closest train stations to the MCG are:
- Jolimont Station, otherwise known as MCG Station (on the Hurstbridge or Mernda lines)
- Richmond Station (the Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverley, Frankston or Sandringham lines). Please note: Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury trains no longer stop at Richmond Station or go through the City Loop.
For ease of access and proximity to the venue, we recommend guests attending by train do so via Jolimont Station.
The nearest tram stops are:
- 7B (Rod Laver Arena/MCG Gates 1-3)
- 7C (MCG Gates 4-7) or
- 11 (Jolimont Station-MCG/Wellington Parade).
These stops are serviced by trams 70 (7B, 7C) and 48 and 75 (11).
Bus route 246 stops on Punt Road, approximately 600m from the MCG through Yarra Park.
By car
Please check the VicTraffic website for up-to-date information on the day of the State Funeral Service.
Limited car parking will be available in Yarra Park, with more details to be provided in the coming days.
There are a range of additional car parking options available near the MCG. Limited on-street metered parking is available around Fitzroy Gardens, the Botanical Gardens and along the Yarra River.
For more information, visit the MCG’s parking information webpage.
Accessibility
The MCG’s G-Train mobility shuttle service will be in operation for patrons who require assistance closer to the entry gate.
Gate 2 at the MCG is accessible. MCG staff will be able to assist you in locating your seating.
For in-venue information, please visit the MCG’s accessibility webpage.
Closed captions will be available on the live stream of the service.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, and at the request of the Daniher family, donations may be made to FightMND. To donate, visit fightMND’s website.
Condolences
Updated