Australian football legend Neale Daniher has been farewelled in an emotional State funeral on Wednesday, with family and friends joined by the nation’s leaders and prominent industry figures among a sea of blue FightMND beanies at the MCG.

Daniher’s four children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben and wife Jan held back tears as they each spoke glowingly of their beloved father and husband, who passed away on May 25 following a decade-long battle with motor neurone disease.

Two of his six grandchildren, Cooper and Rosie, also spoke of missing their “Poppy” dearly. A striking portrait of Daniher overlooked his coffin, while a FightMND beanie and Demons scarf took pride of place on stage.

Daniher was remembered for his decorated career on and off the football field, as a player at Essendon and a coach at Melbourne, and later for his work at both WA clubs Fremantle and West Coast.

It was during his seven years in Perth that Neale “first noticed the weakness in his hand”, Jan shared. He was football manager at the Eagles when he was diagnosed with MND.

“Life was full, we were busy and things were going really well. As with every family, facing an MND diagnoses doesn’t prepare you for being told there is no treatment, no cure and the life expectancy is around 27 months. It’s devastating and it was almost impossible to believe,” she said.

“But Neale took on the challenge as he did with all others, head on... There were moments of joy and sadness, fear and love, strength and determination. It wasn’t easy. It was incredibly difficult. But we faced each challenge together and we never gave up.

“MND doesn’t define Neale. He is defined by his character. His integrity, his humility, his honestly, his strength and resilience.

“By a sharp wit, a cheeky smile, his love of family and friends and his wonderful love of laughter. This is how we will remember Neale, I love you, darling.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke about the 2025 Australian of the Year’s selflessness in raising funds and advocating to find a cure for MND, despite knowing it could not save his life. Daniher was diagnosed in 2013 and died late last month, aged 65.

“When confronted with an adversity that most of us simply cannot imagine, facing odds that could not be beaten, Neale chose to fight,” Mr Albanese said.

“In doing so, he gave new hope to thousands of Australians living with their own struggle against motor neurone disease. And he inspired all of us with his courage, determination, with his humour and his invincible optimism.

“On behalf of all Australians, I offer our nation’s heartfelt condolences to those who knew and loved Neale best... I hope you’ve been able to take a measure of comfort from the fact that right across our great country, so many people who have never had the privilege of knowing or even meeting him, this wonderful man, loved him and admired him so deeply.”

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan also acknowledged Daniher’s approach to the illness.

“(Neale) did not choose MND, but he did choose how he would meet it — with courage, with purpose, with love, by turning his own suffering into something that could help others,” she said.

Anthony represented the 11 Daniher siblings - including fellow former Bombers Terry and Chris, while former Melbourne captain David Neitz and teammate Paul Hopgood spoke on behalf of his beloved Demons, sharing anecdotes from Daniher’s time as coach.

The current Melbourne playing group were among the mourners, just days after the club defeated Collingwood in the King’s Birthday match at the MCG, where the Big Freeze fundraiser is held annually to raise funds for FightMND.

Current and former Essendon players, including Brownlow medallist James Hird, also attended the service, while Australian music icon Paul Kelly performed.

Less than 24 hours after being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, West Coast legend John Worsfold was joined by chief executive Don Pyke and premiership Eagle and current Sydney coach Dean Cox.

Fremantle great and Sydney CEO Matthew Pavlich and AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon were also in attendance, while Brisbane coach Chris Fagan shared memories of his former colleague and close friend of nearly three decades.

Master of Ceremonies, Seven’s Hamish McLachlan, concluded the service with the words: “Neale, we will honour your wishes and play on. Rest in peace.”