What Neale Daniher told daughter Bec in their final conversation

Neale Daniher’s daughter has revealed her final conversation with her late father was about the speech he would deliver Melbourne and Collingwood players before this year’s Big Freeze game.

On the day it was announced NRL star Jai Arrow, who was recently retired after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, will toss the coin in Monday’s special King’s Birthday clash, the Magpies and Demons united to remember Daniher’s extraordinary contribution as the figurehead of the battle against MND.

A crowd of upwards of 90,000 – many of whom will be wearing blue beanies – is expected to honour Daniher, who died last month, at the match dubbed Big Freeze 12 – the fundraiser which raises awareness and funds for MND research programs.

Daniher’s widow Jan said the widespread and public support Neale received since his diagnosis for MND in 2013 will have a “profound and lasting impact” on the fight against the debilitating condition.

“We knew we had to do something, but we knew we couldn’t do it alone. So we asked for help,” an emotional Jan Daniher told the players of both clubs in the Olympic Room at the MCG.

“I remember the very first meeting. People from all areas of business came together – advertising, media, logistics, the AFL. And two very special clubs – Melbourne and Collingwood.

“Every one of them chose to join the fight, and that decision changed everything.

“To Melbourne and Collingwood, to the staff, to the players and to the past players, for 12 years now you’ve supported FightMND, and people touched by motor neurone disease without hesitation.

“Please never underestimate your influence, the influence you have, or the important role each of you have played.

“What you have helped build has made a profound and lasting impact – and it’s changing lives.”

That sentiment was echoed by Daniher’s daughter Bec, who said that standing in the packed room in front of the staff of both clubs, including the AFL and AFLW programs, was a bitter-sweet moment.

Magpies defender Jeremy Howe and Demons vice captain Jack Viney were among those in the audience.

Bec revealed her last conversation with her father was “actually about this moment”.

“I’m going to be completely honest, it’s incredibly challenging to be here today,” she said. “This is usually Dad’s moment. And it’s something that he valued so highly.

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

“My last conversation with Dad was actually about this moment. He was looking