
AFL great and motor neurone disease crusader Neale Daniher has been farewelled at a state funeral in front of legions of fans he inspired over his decade-long battle.
Recap all the incredible stories told by his friends and family below, and tune into Seven and 7plus for more coverage.
A final guard of honour for Neale
Thousands of people have lined the Daniherâs Way to form a guard of honour as the hearse slowly drove away from the MCG.
Daniherâs favourite song Mr Brightside by The Killers was blasting in the background, as people stood and applaud.
âAn incredible scene at the MCG here,â Peter Mitchell said.
Bec Maddern: âThat was just magnificent.â

That concludes our coverage, tune into 7NEWS on Seven and 7plus at 4pm and 6pm for more.
Neale is taken away by pallbearers
The memorial service has concluded with Neale taken away by pallbearers; his children Loz, Luke and Ben, his brothers Terry and Chris, and his son-in-law Drew Howell.
Hamish McLachlan then delivered a touching final message.
âNeale was the best of humans, teacher to us all,â he said.
âA man who showed us what is possible, how to live a life full of purpose and to live, importantly, without complaint.
âHe turned personal adversity into national inspiration. He showed us the attitude we choose each day is entirely up to us. I think itâs safe to say, he changed the way many of us look at the world and the cards we have been dealt.
âSome are measured by what they won on the field, Neale will always be remembered for what he refused to lose off it: His hope, his humour, his heart.
âHe never asked us to feel sorry for him, he just asked us to fight alongside him.
âAnd a country picked up a beanie and answered collectively.
âWe are a better community because of you. Neale you lost your voice and you are gone but your message remains very loud. We honour you today with our grief and we will continue to honour you with our doing.
âThe world feels less without you, but much better because you are here.â
Chris Fagan forever grateful to Neale
The Brisbane coach spoke about how Neale Daniher gave him first job in football.
âNeale gave me a job 29 years ago, god only knows why he gave me that job but Iâm so greatful that he did. Weâve remained close friends ever since,â Fagan said.
âHe has no doubt had a huge influence on my life and I have a lot to thank him for.â
Fagan recounted Nealeâs âbluntâ and âhonestâ style when he joined Melbourne as an assistant under Daniher.
âI was a bit shy and didnât have much to say in meetings, and one day he pulled me aside and said âlisten here, Fages, I didnât bring you hear to just shift the cones aroundâ,â he said.
âThat was sort of code for, âI think youâve got a bit more to offerâ.
âIt was good feedback.â
Fagan said he knew how to position himself out of the firing line when Daniher would unleash a spray during a half-time break.
He also revealed a story about how ânervousâ he was in the coaching box when Daniher wanted to move David Neitz to the backline and Fagan said that was a bad idea.
Daniher ultimately went with Fagan and Melbourne won the match, much to the relief of Fagan.
Fagan also spoke about how he never wanted to play tennis with Daniher. It was OK playing against him, even if he lost, but when he played with Neale in doubles, he always copped a spray if he missed a shot.
The two-time premiership coach credits Daniher for helping becoming a senior coach.
âNeale made me feel valued, he gave me confidence, he believed in me, he helped me overcome my imposter syndrome of being an AFL coach without playing at the level. He just did those sorts of things for me over and over again,â Fagan said.
Close friend gives Neale a âroastingâ
Long-time friend Cam Taylor has taken the stage.
âWhen Jan asked me to speak, the last thing she said, âmake sure you give Neale a bit of a roastâ,â he began.
He recounted a story about his son and the Daniherâs son becoming friends.
âI went around to pick up Ben and knocked on the door, and Neale answered, âWho are you?â Iâm Cam Taylor, Benâs dad.
âBen came out and I attempted some light banter, âEagles going well?â He looked at me and without saying anything, âtake your son and nick offâ.
âGood to meet you, Neale, might see you around.â
He said his first impressions werenât that great, but that initial meeting laid the foundations to a great and longlasting friendship between the two families.
âParticular Jan and the kids as they were really nice people,â Cam added with a laugh.


