Daniher is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Essendon Football Club in the AFL between 1979 and 1990. He was the coach of the Melbourne Football Club between 1998 and 2007 and was an assistant coach for the Essendon and Fremantle Football Clubs.
His football career, although dogged by injury, was well respected with Daniher winning widespread praise and accolades for his actions both on and off the field.
These personal characteristics are what drive Daniher, and it is these values that are now echoed in his approach with his current battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Diagnosed with MND in 2013, Daniher has used the ensuing time to raise awareness of the disease and funds for research into finding a treatment and cure. He has been actively involved in the 'Big Freeze at the G' MND event held at the MCG and raising millions of dollars for research and clinical trials. The community has been moved and impressed by Daniher’s courage in the face of his medical ordeal.
In early 2015, Daniher joined FightMND as Vice-President, and has also signed on as the official Patron of the foundation. Daniher’s ‘MO’ is, in short, 'It’s too late for me, so with the time I have left I need to do as much as I possibly can for those who will follow me.'
Initially hoping to raise $250,000 in his major fundraising initiative for FightMND with the inaugural 'Big Freeze at the G', Daniher has helped raise over $50 million between 2015 and 2019.
Another FightMND initiative Daniher is involved in is 'Daniher’s Drive' – a fun four-day road-trip through regional communities to raise much-needed awareness and funds to find a cure for MND.
Daniher received a Member of the Order of Australia award in 2016 for his efforts in raising awareness of MND and raising funds to help find a cure for the disease. Daniher’s continued determination to live life to the fullest, and face the challenges this disease brings with courage, humour, and a drive to help prevent the suffering of those that may be diagnosed with this disease in the future, is inspiring.