‘Powerful’: Daniher family speaks to Demons, Magpies

Roger Vaughan | June 3, 2026

Collingwood and Melbourne have broken with Big Freeze tradition, coming together to hear from the Daniher family ahead of Monday’s massive AFL clash.

Neale Daniher’s wife Jan and daughter Bec spoke to the two clubs at the MCG on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their annual King’s Birthday blockbuster.

The 12th Big Freeze game takes on even greater meaning after Daniher died last week, ending his 13-year fight with motor neurone disease.

It was the first time Jan and Bec had spoken publicly since Daniher’s death.

“This is usually dad’s moment, and it is something that he valued so highly,” Bec said.

“He loved being able to come to Melbourne and Collingwood, not just because of the game, which he loved, but also because he had so much to share with you all.

“My last conversation with dad was actually about this moment. He was looking forward to it and he was preparing his speech.

“He taught us it’s up to us, how we show up, that attitude is a choice.”

Previously, Daniher would visit the two clubs separately for a pre-game talk – even after MND had taken his voice.

His sister Nerolee was also in the room on Wednesday and Magpies defender Isaac Quaynor said it was a special occasion.

“I just want to touch on the impressive nature of Bec and Jan speaking in front of the whole group – such a powerful moment,” Quaynor said.

“They spoke from the heart and they’re obviously going through such a tough time. To be part of such an incredible week, it’s something really special.

“Definitely at Collingwood we get to play in a lot of big games, but this is probably right at the top of the cake. It’s so much more … than just a football game – get your beanies and fight a good cause.”

The pre-game Big Freeze, during which assorted AFL identities and celebrities slide into an ice bath to promote Daniher’s FightMND campaign, is a major annual event in itself.

Another feature of the FightMND charity is its beanies, which will take the place of club colours for most of the capacity crowd.

Melbourne defender Jake Lever, who will return from concussion to play in his ninth King’s Birthday game, said the visits from Daniher were always a highlight.

He fondly remembered three years ago when Daniher could no longer speak, but former Demon star Angus Brayshaw was asking him questions.

Daniher was using his eye-recognition technology to answer and true to his nature, ribbed Brayshaw about his recent engagement.

Lever said the constant banter “brought everyone to laughter”.

“Neale’s a pretty significant person at our footy club. It just makes you reflect on some of the speeches he’s given to us over the time, some of his inspirational quotes,” Lever said.

“This is my ninth Big Freeze game I’ve been involved in and every year, you’re just amazed at the support that FightMND have.

“Just the work Neale did behind the scenes – we love Neale so much and the game is a small part of it.

“But I’m so glad we get to play in it.”

Asked if he would play, Lever said “it’s going to be hard to keep me out.”

The game itself will be crucial for the two teams, given Melbourne have lost their past two and the Magpies have dropped three of their past four.

It will also be special personally for Melbourne forward Brody Mihocek, who will come up against his old club for the first time.

“He’s a pretty cool customer. He’s looking forward to it, first and foremost,” Lever said of the 2022 Collingwood premiership player.

“From experience, I played against my old side (Adelaide) and we won by 100 points, so that would be nice … I’m sure it’s going to be closer than that.

When Lever was asked about Mihocek, with Quaynor standing next to him, the Magpies’ face lit up with a big grin.

“I was just saying to him … that I will definitely be getting into him,” Quaynor said.

“We know he loves a goal, so any time he’s around (the) goals I will be in his ear.

“We love Checkers at the ‘Pies, he had an incredible journey with us and I’m always really keen to go up against a great player.”

Also on Wednesday, Lever and Quaynor presented a $20,000 cheque from  AFL players to FightMND chief executive Matt Tilley.