FOREVER A LEGEND
Neale Daniher’s name will live on for generations. A truly great Australian, he will be remembered by millions for his incredible fortitude and bravery in the 13 years of his battle with MND.
Australian of the Year in 2025 and an inspirational figure, Neale was always a champion. A brilliant schoolboy footballer and cricketer, he led Assumption to premierships in both sports.
Had he not gone to Essendon straight from college and had chosen cricket he could have reached the highest level in the summer game.
He was also a fine scholar and his impact on fellow students and the school in general was extraordinary for a 16-18-year-old boy from the farm fields of the Northern Riverina.
His football and coaching career has been well documented. A cruel knee injury blow cut short a playing career that had already gone to the highest levels. Neale’s influence has seen well over $100 million dollars raised in the fight against the dreaded disease.
One of eleven children raised by Jim and Edna, all of whom have done their wonderful parents proud. Neale never forgot his college days pals and was a very loyal Old Collegian. The new pavilion at ACK bears his name and a magnificent, framed portrait inside the foyer is a feature.
Neale and his wife Jan raised a fine family, and all are highly esteemed. Jan has been remarkable also over the years, she is a truly great lady. A daughter, Bec has been at the forefront of the MND fundraising operations.
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On a personal note, Neale has been a fine friend to me since his schooldays.
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THE BIG FREEZE
The King’s Birthday Monday clash Collingwood v Melbourne will see a further chapter in the “Big Freeze” which has raised many millions for the fight against the terrible MND. Neale Daniher’s daughter Bec is again at the forefront of the campaign. She is a remarkable person and just like her brother cut from the cloth of wonderful parents. Fair dinkum Aussies from the Northern Riverina’s wide brown lands and ever blue skies. The picture is of Brisbane coach Chris Fagan in an early version of the freeze.
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FRED IS A CHAMPION
Fred Le Deux is one of Assumptions most loyal former collegians. Married to Pam and is proud to be grandfather to recently retired Geelong champion Tom Hawkins. Fred and Pam’s daughter was Tom’s mum – she sadly passed from this life far too young. Fred was born in Rushworth and attended a bush primary school. He came to board at ACK in 1948-1952. His great headmasters were Brother Damien and Brother Kenneth. He struggled to make the junior footy sides until he made the under 15 side led by later Bulldogs star Alex Gardiner. The following year he was athletics champion and made the First XVIII captained by Dino Munari. Dino and his brother Nildo are legendary ACK sports stars – Nildo led the 1957 First XVIII and XI in 1951. Fred debuted in the First XVIII and in 1952 joined the already long line of illustrious captains. Fred was also a champion athlete in his final two years. He did not only merely excel in sport for he was a fine scholar.
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He attended Bendigo teachers college which set him on the career path of primary teaching. Whilst at Bendigo he played with Sandhurst in the company of some VFL “greats” such as Graham Arthur, Kevin Curran and Brendan Edwards. The latter attended ACK and in 1961 played in Hawthorn’s first premiership side. In the grand final versus Footscray he got 42 possessions playing in the centre. I believe that is still an MCG grand final record.
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Fred was good enough to play for Geelong in the fifties, but an incredible playing and coaching career saw him at the helm of many Victorian country clubs. He was hugely respected wherever he was involved. Likewise, his teaching career was really notable. He taught at a number of schools and was principal at three Geelong primary schools from 1973-89. Fred closed his teaching career after 55 years of highly regarded service.
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Following his retirement he and Pam purchased a small farm in Bannockburn and enjoyed that phase of life for 17 years during which he saw their family develop and prosper, after the farming sojourn the couple moved back to Geelong.
Fred Le Deux with wife Pam, grandson Tom and wife.
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Fred turned 90 last December. He and Pam have 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Fred has been a Geelong Rotarian for half a century and is to this day an active ACK Old Collegian. Annually he organizes a “reunion” at Queenscliff or Sorrento. He is sad at the loss of many former college pals over recent years. Fred and Pam loved watching Tom play and they saw most of the games he played in Geelong and Melbourne. Fred acknowledges his wife’s unwavering support over the years. Personally, I am really pleased to know Fred as a true friend. He fits the term “scholar, gentlemen and player”.
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VALE ROB SOUTAR
Local area resident Rob Soutar was farewelled from this life recently by family and friends. Rob and wife Coralee lived in Willowmavin for many years then Kilmore in latter times. Good friend Peter Reynolds delivered a heartfelt eulogy which outlined Rob’s life and achievements praising him as a wonderful friend and neighbour. Music was central to Rob’s life – he was a gifted musician and a fine teacher to many people. He has a keen interest in numerous areas including golf. Rob is sadly missed by many and especially Coralee who is a truly fine lady.
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ACK ON TRACK
A good win over old rivals Essendon Grammar has kept the Assumption 1st XVIII well on track to play finals. Its only loss to date has been to Trinity and the side is steadily improving. New coach Nathan Thompson must be pleased with the team’s progress. There are some big games to come with the key one, the clash with ladder leaders Marcellin at Bulleen in late June. Tex Longmire, nephew of the former Swans coach has been among those in form.
