Neale Daniher celebrated by Australian Open crowd at men’s final after Australian of the Year gong

Neale Daniher has been honoured at the Australian Open after being named Australian of the Year.

Just a day after being named as the 2025 recipient of the top gong, the AFL legend was wheeled out by his son Ben in front of the packed Rod Laver Arena crowd before Sunday night’s men’s singles final.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Neale Daniher included in Australian Open men’s final pre-match.

“We’re very proud to have in the arena tonight, the 2025 Australian of the Year, Neale Daniher AO. Please welcome Neale,” Australian Open host James Sherry said as the crowd stood and applauded as one.

Daniher was given a standing ovation in what was a classy gesture from tournament organisers.

The 63-year-old was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 11 years ago and, at the time, given just 27 months to live.

The average life expectancy for MND sufferers is between two and five years.

More than a decade into his battle, Daniher was close to tears while accepting the Australian of the Year honour, speaking through eye gaze technology.

”I hope to leave a legacy that says this: no matter the odds, we all have the power to choose to fight.”

Neale’s wife Jan has been right by his side every step of the way.

“I’m a little bit overwhelmed to be honest. I’m just so proud,” she told 7NEWS.

Neale says he’ll use his new position to continue working towards a dream once thought impossible — a world without MND.

”I thought if people truly understand the challenges we face they’d join the fight with me and they have, oh how you have,” Daniher said during his acceptance speech.

”Imagine the power of what we can achieve together when we each take small steps to make a difference.”

Jan filled in for Neale at the national flag raising ceremony on Sunday ,as she and their daughter Bec will continue to do throughout the year, when he can’t fulfill his many roles as the Australian of the Year.

”He will do as much as he possibly can,” Jan said.

“He loves this country and he’ll do whatever he can.”

Daniher was a champion player for Essendon before leading Melbourne to the 2000 grand final as coach.