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Live sport on SN this weekend'Neale's Game': Melbourne to hold talks with Essendon over honorary fixture
Jaiden Sciberras • May 31st, 2026 2:36 pm
The Melbourne Demons are looking to further their celebration of Neale Daniher’s life, planning a ‘Neale’s Game’ with Essendon in the coming weeks.
As reported by SEN’s Tom Morris, the Demons are in talks with the Bombers to commemorate Daniher within the sides scheduled Round 14 clash at the MCG.
Daniher’s history with both clubs run deep, winning a best and fairest as a player with Essendon in 1981 and winning a flag as an assistant coach in 1993, before coaching Melbourne for 10 seasons across the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
“Some more news around the tributes to Neale Daniher,” Morris told SEN Crunch Time.
“This weekend, Melbourne will pay tribute like everyone else when they are in Alice Springs.
“Next weekend is the MND game at the MCG. The weekend after is the game against Essendon.
“Melbourne is looking to speak with the Bombers to have, for the lack of a better term, a ‘Neale Game’.
“A big celebration of Neale Daniher’s life and journey in football, and the fight that he had with MND on that Saturday, the 13th of June at 1:15pm (AEST).”
Gerard Whateley added: “Neale’s last game as Melbourne coach was against Essendon, so there’s all sorts of symmetry at play there.”
Daniher’s passing shocked the AFL world on Monday, with tributes taking place prior to each Round 12 game..
The Victorian Government has also announced plans for a State Funeral on Wednesday, June 10th.
The 12th annual Big Freeze King’s Birthday clash takes place next week as Collingwood host Melbourne on Monday the 8th of June.
