A CHAMPION FOREVER
The 10th edition of the ‘Big Freeze’ was again an outstanding success, raising many millions for the MND funds as the fight goes on to find a cure for this dreadful affliction. More than $100 million dollars have come across the decade-long campaign, which is now embraced right around Australia. The beanies have been bought far and wide in every suburb, town, and village. Kilmore is no exception, and nor are the towns across the Mitchell Shire.
It was wonderful to see all Daniher family come together at the MCG – Neale’s three brothers, seven sisters, and their spouses and families. Neale’s mum Edna made the long trip from Ungarie in the far north Riverina. Her and late husband Jim’s four boys of AFL legends really put the little township of about 300 people on the map. Edna remains on the ‘home’ farm, which is run by youngest son Chris. I was fortunate to meet Jim and Edna across the years since Neale’s time at Assumption. Great people, truly products of the real Australia which is sadly disappearing slowly, but ever-so-surely.
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The Neale Daniher Pavilion adorns the iconic Main Oval at ACK. As a boarder at Assumption in the late 70s, Neale was an outstanding lad, a brilliant footballer and cricketer, and an inspiration to his peers and hundreds of young students. He knew the practice and tactics of the two great sports that I thought he would make me redundant as a coach. He has kept in touch down the years for which I am truly grateful.
His own immediate family – wife Jan and his sons and daughters – are also absolutely wonderful people. The name Daniher will live on and Neale’s courage under extreme adversity will ensure his name shines forever like a beacon on a mountain peak.
The Fab 4 Anthony, Terry, Neale and Chris.
Neale and Jan – Both heroes
In his bestselling book published in 2019, Neale paid me a wonderful tribute which I have cherished more than any awards over the years, including the OAM (Order of Australia) medal back in 1993. It was an honour to be a recipient of the OAM but I have never worn the medals because there are so many thousands of deserving people who are never acknowledged while some of the recognitions are quite astonishing.
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Neale was good with the bat.
Neale Daniher he loved playing cricket as much as he loved football.
