Australian of the Year Neale Daniher will lead this year’s Hand in Hand Crossing for Inclusion over Matagarup Bridge in the build-up to Fremantle’s round four game against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium next month.

Daniher, 64, who has rallied the nation with his tireless work for motor neurone disease since being diagnosed with the illness in 2013, described himself as a “boy from outback Australia” when he was awarded the honour in Canberra earlier this year.

“I couldn’t think of anyone better,” WA All Abilities Football Association inclusion specialist Rob Geersen said.
“Neale was an inaugural assistant coach at Fremantle and also worked at the Eagles. He has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity and is the very best example of what is possible in life.”

The former Essendon forward and Melbourne coach’s appearance in Perth will mark the first time a public figure has led the WA All Abilities Football Association’s annual crossing. The event is supported by the Dockers’ Purple Hands Foundation, the West Australian Football Commission, and Telethon.

Last year 88 children from 19 Perth Starkick centres made the crossing, supported by family, friends, and the football and wider communities.

Daniher, who hails from the NSW central west town of Ungarie, played more than 80 games for Essendon between 1979 and 1990 in a career plagued by knee injuries, before he transitioned to coaching, leading Melbourne from 1998 to 2007, including a 2000 grand final appearance.

After being diagnosed, Daniher co-founded FightMND, a charity that has raised and invested more than $115 million for research to find a cure, with the charity’s Big Freeze fundraiser at the King’s Birthday MCG match becoming a leading AFL fixture.

“It’s obviously a great honour, which allows a terrific platform to promote and thank everyone across Australia that has supported our cause, because without them, I would never have been nominated,” he said when he became Australian of the Year.

Photo: 2023 Hand in Hand Crossing for Inclusion

Mr. Geersen said the crossing promoted inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities and served as a “powerful symbol of unity and support”.

Participants are asked to meet in Peace Park on the East Perth side of Matagarup Bridge at noon for a 12.30 pm start on Sunday, April 6.

Story Credit: Glen Quartermaine - Sunday Times