Neale Daniher Funeral Held at MCG as AFL Legend Remembered
Thousands gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a state funeral service honoring Neale Daniher, the AFL legend and FightMND campaigner who died after a 13-year battle with motor neurone disease. Daniher was a respected coach, fundraiser, and 2025 Australian of the Year known for his catchcry "play on" and his ability to transcend club loyalties. The service featured tributes from family, former players, and prominent figures including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
Neale Daniher's state funeral took place at the MCG with thousands of attendees streaming into the stadium, many wearing blue Big Freeze beanies and scarves representing multiple AFL clubs. The service, which began at 1pm, included remarks from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, followed by family tributes from Daniher's wife, children, and brother Anthony. Former Melbourne footballers David Neitz and Paul Hopgood, who played under Daniher, shared their reflections alongside close friend Cam Taylor and Brisbane coach Chris Fagan. Singer-songwriter Gary Pinto performed between tributes. Daniher, who passed away late last month after a 13-year battle with motor neurone disease, was remembered not only for his coaching achievements and fundraising work through the Big Freeze campaign but also for his role as a husband, father, and grandfather.
What different sources said
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
Neale Daniher funeral live updates: MCG crowd gathers for AFL legend to pay tribute to FightMND campaigner
- ABC AustraliaCenter
State funeral for Neale Daniher begins at the MCG
Related
North Melbourne Holds On for One-Point Win Over West Coast as Waterman Hits the Post in Final Seconds
North Melbourne defeated West Coast Eagles 10.14 (74) to 10.13 (73) at Optus Stadium on Saturday, with Eagles forward Jake Waterman hitting the post from a set shot with 42 seconds remaining. The Kangaroos led by 20 points early in the final quarter before West Coast kicked the last three goals in a dramatic fightback driven by Jobe Shanahan. The result leaves West Coast at 4-10 heading into the bye, while North Melbourne improves to 6-7 and remains in the wildcard race.
Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski Throws Fastest Pitch Ever by a Starting Pitcher in 15-Strikeout Complete Game Shutout
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski threw a 104.5 mph fastball against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, the fastest pitch ever recorded by a starting pitcher in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008), while also striking out 15 batters in a complete-game shutout. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed only one hit — a fourth-inning single by Kyle Schwarber — in a 6-0 Brewers victory, completing the game on just 95 pitches, qualifying it as a 'Maddux.' The performance adds to Misiorowski's already dominant 2026 season, in which he leads the majors with 116 strikeouts and carries a 1.50 ERA, placing him firmly in the NL Cy Young conversation.
Melinda French Gates Says Observing Wealthy Peers Shaped Her Decision to Raise Children with Middle-Class Values
Melinda French Gates has described the intentional parenting choices she made to raise her three children with middle-class values, despite the family's roughly $135 billion fortune. She cited her own modest upbringing in Dallas and her observations of wealthy peers in college as key influences, implementing rules like allowances and wish lists rather than freely buying things. The approach reflects a broader question many affluent families face about how to prevent inherited wealth from undermining children's ambition and sense of identity.