Latest news with #AustralianoftheYear
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
First look: watch the moving new celebration of the Aussies who inspire us
The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at The National Australia Day Council is showcasing current and former Australian of the Year Awards recipients in an inspiring new advertising campaign to encourage nominations for next year's awards. The 60-second advertisement to appear online and on TV features current Australian of the Year Neale Daniher and Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck as well as Local Hero Award recipients Amar Singh, of Turbans 4 Australia, and Victorian football advocate for women Jasmine Hirst. Part of the clip was filmed in Cafe Stepping Stone, the social enterprise employing women mostly from migrant and refugee backgrounds established in Canberra by Australia's Local Heroes for 2025, Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello. Nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards are open until July 31. Australians are being urged to shine a spotlight on the local legends and national change-makers whose efforts have enriched our communities. The Australian of the Year Awards require public nominations to identify outstanding individuals and it only takes one nomination for someone to be considered for the prestigious awards. "Every day, we all see people doing something special or we hear about people who are making a real impact - it's these people we all see and hear about that we want the public to nominate," National Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said. "When you see them or hear about them, nominate them." Nominate now at The four categories are: Australian of the Year; Senior Australian of the Year (aged 65 and over); Young Australian of the Year (aged 16 to 30); and Australia's Local Hero. From the public's nominations, each state and territory announces a recipient in each category. These state and territory award recipients then become the national finalists for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards to be announced on the evening of January 25, 2026, in Canberra. Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
7NEWS
18 hours ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
AFL legend and MND crusader Neale Daniher makes incredible statement all parents must know
AFL legend Neale Daniher has delivered a powerful message to all families. The miracle MND crusader and Australian of the Year, appeared on Channel Seven's Unfiltered in a stirring interview with host Hamish McLachlan. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today In the interview, Daniher — who was first diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013 — opened up on his life philosophies that have helped him through his staggering fight. He also gave incredible insight into parenting, himself a father of four children. 'What did you get right, what did you get wrong? Fathering's hard,' McLachlan said to Daniher. Daniher's wise response was a brilliant lesson for all parents. 'I don't think I have anything unique to offer you about fathering,' he said ... but, on the contrary, he certainly did. 'I got plenty of the little things wrong but they don't matter too much if you get the big things right. 'I think myself and Jan made sure our kids felt they were loved, safe, and cared for. That's a good start. 'I think we gave our children a strong moral compass to navigate the world and contribute meaningfully to others by modelling honesty and responsibility, kindness, and resilience. 'I think we modelled a strong work ethic and showed them that effort matters just as much as talent. 'I think we instilled the idea that contributing to others, family, community, team is meaningful. 'We also tried to model an optimistic mindset that embraces challenge and learning from mistakes. 'As you can easily pick up, I use the word 'model' because you don't teach your kids much by telling them you have to model it yourself. 'Advice, I have no advice, only an observation. 'I don't wish to downplay the role of parents, poor parenting can really impact a child detrimentally in so many ways. 'But good parenting gets them ready to face the world. 'However, I will say, parents can take far too much credit if their kids turn out OK for two reasons: 1. your kids are raised in a village so they have many influences that shape them, good and bad outside the home. Also, how they turn out is a lot on them. 'Eventually as they go from teenagers to young adults, they grow to take ownership and responsibility for their own choices. 'And if they make the right choices in life, they should take most of the credit. Likewise, if they make bad choices, it's on them. 'Parents can only do so much. That is what learning to take responsibility is all about.' Daniher also shared some of his life philosophies that he had borrowed from others. Better to be slapped with the truth than kissed by a lie. He said: 'That reminds me to seek the truth about myself and beware of flattery. It reminds me that life is a team game. It reminds me to beware of my own ego.' If you want to go quickly, go alone, if you want to go far, go together. He said: 'That reminds me that life is a team game.' Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. 'That reminds me to beware of my own ego,' he said. 'And as I push towards my mid-60s, I can confirm Eleanor Roosevelt was right when she said: In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. '
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
How Neale Daniher's blue beanie blockbuster is inspiring change, fuelling hope
Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at
West Australian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Essendon great Tim Watson says Neale Daniher had to overcome his headstrong attitude in MND fight
Neale Daniher has had to conquer a headstrong attitude to fight his brave battle against motor neurone disease, says former teammate and close friend Tim Watson. AFL great Watson says the honesty with which his former Essendon teammate has spoken about his health plight — and his resolve not to let it dictate his life —is why the Big Freeze has been such a success. The annual fundraiser, centred around the King's Birthday clash between a side Daniher coached to a grand final, Melbourne, and one of its fierce rivals, Collingwood, has raised more than $115 million in just over a decade. Heading into the 11th Big Freeze on Monday, Watson revealed why Daniher, the 2025 Australian of the Year, had become such an icon. 'I think because of his authenticity. I think people saw that this was something that was real —this person wasn't doing anything for himself. He was doing something for a cause,' Watson told The Nightly. 'I think that resonated with people. In a world where there's so much manufacturing of image, I think people could see that this bloke was 100 per cent authentic and real. And he did it with humour as well — he was self-deprecating. 'The way that he framed it as 'slaying the beast', the way he spoke just appealed to people, and they all just wanted to jump on board the cause.' Watson said the Bombers' youngest-ever captain (1982) never shied away from the challenges and evolved as a person during his MND fight. 'He was very headstrong,' Watson said. 'He had a lot of setbacks in his own career. There's something about him. There's this different Neale that has appeared with this. He's been a remarkable human being. I think it's just astounding how he's conducted himself.' 'I think it's about the positivity, about the way that he's spun it,' Watson said. After being diagnosed in 2013 with the incurable disease, which degenerates motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord robbing the sufferer of the ability to move and talk, Daniher has been determined to find a cure. 'Even yesterday, in his address to Melbourne, it wasn't about 'woe is me' or dwelling on the negative, but saying, 'what's something positive I can do?' No matter how miserable it might look, how can I spin that around? 'He's definitely done that and demonstrated that to everybody — that no matter what the diagnosis might be and how poorly he felt at times … I think it did take him a while when he was first diagnosed to find some sort of way of dealing with it internally. And then the way that he's been able to do that publicly — I think he's just been like a beacon of optimism and inspiration for so many people.' Daniher's playing career was derailed by injuries that saw him miss out on playing in Essendon's flag-winning teams of 1984 and 1985. He did finally win a flag with the Bombers as an assistant coach in 1993. He features on tonight's episode of Unfiltered on Channel 7 , where he shares a rare insight into the lowest point of his career and the personal news that got him 'out of his funk.' The interview was conducted over several weeks, with Hamish McLachlan and Daniher exchanging text messages. Daniher responded using his eye-gaze machine, which makes his voice sound like it used to. Daniher played 66 games in three years for Essendon between 1979 and 1981, but injuries restricted him to just 16 more before he retired. Essendon were the reigning premiers, and Daniher had dreams of lifting the premiership cup that in 1985 when disaster struck in mid-week game. 'Footy gives you great highs and tragic lows, that's for sure. The lowest I felt as a player would have been in 1985,' Daniher said. 'I was making another comeback after two ACL knee injuries and the Bombers were the reigning premiers. I had just made my way back into the team. 'We had a mid-season competition involving interstate teams. I was asked to back up and play in Adelaide. In retrospect, that was a dumb idea. I wasn't ready to play three games in seven days. 'During the second quarter, I got caught in a pack, landed awkwardly, and did my knee again. This time it was my good knee. I was lying on a cold floor with ice on my knee in foreign rooms, on my own, as the sounds of the game continued without me. 'I knew my playing career was done at the elite level, and my crack at September — and maybe a flag — was over.' Daniher added that the impending birth of his first child helped him get out of the injury heartbreak. 'What broke me out of the funk was that I had married Jan earlier that year. Not much later, we received news that we would have our first child, Lauren. That definitely helped me realise that life was more than the number on my back.' Watson said being able to be hear his own voice would be terrific for his mate. 'I think it must be really great for him because of the frustration when you can't speak. For his words to be delivered in the way they can be — it must be a great thing for him. It might just alleviate some of that frustration,' he said. Watson was one of the first sliders to plunge into the icy waters, which has now become a rite of passage for sporting figures and celebrities during the Big Freeze. He said he didn't have any great words of advice for the 2025 sliders announced so far: Peter Daicos, Matt Shirvington, Ariarne Titmus, Mark Taylor, Matt Nable, and Liz Watson. 'Nothing really prepares people for how cold it feels when you first land,' he said. 'It awakens every sense, but it's over in the blink of an eye too. It's a really great experience.' Melbourne will be up against it in upsetting the red-hot Pies, but Watson said the Demons, coming off a loss to St Kilda, would 'rise to the occasion.' 'It's a big game. It doesn't really matter where they are on the ladder,' Watson said. 'There's a lot of tradition and rivalry associated with this game, and the fact that it means so much beyond the football field as well. It's celebrating something bigger than football. 'Melbourne will be trying to do the best they possibly can — not just for Neale, but for the game itself.' Unfiltered with Hamish McLachlan featuring football legend and FIGHTMND Founder, Neale Daniher 9.30pm straight after The Front Bar on Seven and 7plus. COVERAGE OF THE BIG FREEZE STARTS 2PM MONDAY AEDT ON 7 AND 7PLUS TO DONATE BY BUYING A DIGITAL BIG FREEZE BEANIE CLICK HERE
7NEWS
a day ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Essendon great Tim Watson says Neale Daniher had to overcome his headstrong attitude in MND fight
Neale Daniher has had to conquer a headstrong attitude to fight his brave battle against motor neurone disease, says former teammate and close friend Tim Watson. AFL great Watson says the honesty with which his former Essendon teammate has spoken about his health plight — and his resolve not to let it dictate his life —is why the Big Freeze has been such a success. The annual fundraiser, centred around the King's Birthday clash between a side Daniher coached to a grand final, Melbourne, and one of its fierce rivals, Collingwood, has raised more than $115 million in just over a decade. Heading into the 11th Big Freeze on Monday, Watson revealed why Daniher, the 2025 Australian of the Year, had become such an icon. 'I think because of his authenticity. I think people saw that this was something that was real —this person wasn't doing anything for himself. He was doing something for a cause,' Watson told The Nightly. 'I think that resonated with people. In a world where there's so much manufacturing of image, I think people could see that this bloke was 100 per cent authentic and real. And he did it with humour as well — he was self-deprecating. 'The way that he framed it as 'slaying the beast', the way he spoke just appealed to people, and they all just wanted to jump on board the cause.' Watson said the Bombers' youngest-ever captain (1982) never shied away from the challenges and evolved as a person during his MND fight. 'He was very headstrong,' Watson said. 'He had a lot of setbacks in his own career. There's something about him. There's this different Neale that has appeared with this. He's been a remarkable human being. I think it's just astounding how he's conducted himself.' 'I think it's about the positivity, about the way that he's spun it,' Watson said. After being diagnosed in 2013 with the incurable disease, which degenerates motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord robbing the sufferer of the ability to move and talk, Daniher has been determined to find a cure. 'Even yesterday, in his address to Melbourne, it wasn't about 'woe is me' or dwelling on the negative, but saying, 'what's something positive I can do?' No matter how miserable it might look, how can I spin that around? 'He's definitely done that and demonstrated that to everybody — that no matter what the diagnosis might be and how poorly he felt at times … I think it did take him a while when he was first diagnosed to find some sort of way of dealing with it internally. And then the way that he's been able to do that publicly — I think he's just been like a beacon of optimism and inspiration for so many people.' Daniher's playing career was derailed by injuries that saw him miss out on playing in Essendon's flag-winning teams of 1984 and 1985. He did finally win a flag with the Bombers as an assistant coach in 1993. He features on tonight's episode of Unfiltered on Channel 7 , where he shares a rare insight into the lowest point of his career and the personal news that got him 'out of his funk.' The interview was conducted over several weeks, with Hamish McLachlan and Daniher exchanging text messages. Daniher responded using his eye-gaze machine, which makes his voice sound like it used to. Daniher played 66 games in three years for Essendon between 1979 and 1981, but injuries restricted him to just 16 more before he retired. Essendon were the reigning premiers, and Daniher had dreams of lifting the premiership cup that in 1985 when disaster struck in mid-week game. 'Footy gives you great highs and tragic lows, that's for sure. The lowest I felt as a player would have been in 1985,' Daniher said. 'I was making another comeback after two ACL knee injuries and the Bombers were the reigning premiers. I had just made my way back into the team. 'We had a mid-season competition involving interstate teams. I was asked to back up and play in Adelaide. In retrospect, that was a dumb idea. I wasn't ready to play three games in seven days. 'During the second quarter, I got caught in a pack, landed awkwardly, and did my knee again. This time it was my good knee. I was lying on a cold floor with ice on my knee in foreign rooms, on my own, as the sounds of the game continued without me. 'I knew my playing career was done at the elite level, and my crack at September — and maybe a flag — was over.' Daniher added that the impending birth of his first child helped him get out of the injury heartbreak. 'What broke me out of the funk was that I had married Jan earlier that year. Not much later, we received news that we would have our first child, Lauren. That definitely helped me realise that life was more than the number on my back.' Watson said being able to be hear his own voice would be terrific for his mate. 'I think it must be really great for him because of the frustration when you can't speak. For his words to be delivered in the way they can be — it must be a great thing for him. It might just alleviate some of that frustration,' he said. Watson was one of the first sliders to plunge into the icy waters, which has now become a rite of passage for sporting figures and celebrities during the Big Freeze. He said he didn't have any great words of advice for the 2025 sliders announced so far: Peter Daicos, Matt Shirvington, Ariarne Titmus, Mark Taylor, Matt Nable, and Liz Watson. 'Nothing really prepares people for how cold it feels when you first land,' he said. 'It awakens every sense, but it's over in the blink of an eye too. It's a really great experience.' Melbourne will be up against it in upsetting the red-hot Pies, but Watson said the Demons, coming off a loss to St Kilda, would 'rise to the occasion.' 'It's a big game. It doesn't really matter where they are on the ladder,' Watson said. 'There's a lot of tradition and rivalry associated with this game, and the fact that it means so much beyond the football field as well. It's celebrating something bigger than football. 'Melbourne will be trying to do the best they possibly can — not just for Neale, but for the game itself.'
