Swans Throw Their Support Behind Fight MND

The Swan Districts Football Club will honour the death of 2025 Australian of the Year Neale Daniher with one of the most significant events in the club’s recent history.

Swans host Perth at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday in Round 8 of the Sullivan Logistics WAFL competition as part of the club’s FightMND Big Freeze Round.

Following the sad passing of Daniher this week after his courageous 13-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease, the timing of this event now carries even greater weight.

Daniher inspired millions of Australians through his courage, resilience and optimism, while helping FightMND raise more than $115 million towards research and the search for a cure.

Swan Districts CEO Jarrad Wright has declared the day even more special given the passing of the AFL great.

“We are incredibly proud to be working alongside his lovely wife, Jan Daniher and the FightMND team to bring this special event to life here in Western Australia,’ Wright said.

The day will feature:
• Celebrity Dunk Tank Challenge (from 2:00pm – 2:25pm)
• Nic Naitanui conducting pre-dunk interviews and a Q&A session at the President’s Luncheon
• Brad Wira, Scott Cummings, Tony Notte and Awhina Rutene (MAFS), and West Australian sport journalist Mitch Woodcock
• Premier Roger Cook attending
• Special FightMND activations and fundraising
• An in-depth discussion involving Bryan Cousins and Dr Bruce Robinson at the luncheon
• Keynote address from Professor Anthony Akkari – one of Australia’s leading MND researchers from the Perron Institute, along with key FightMND staff at the luncheon

Wright declared local footy fans have the chance to attend a great event.

“With no AFL in Perth, the PFL (Perth Football League) bye round and only one other WAFL match being played, we are expecting a fantastic crowd and atmosphere at Steel Blue Oval,” he said.

“Most importantly, this event is about community, awareness and raising vital funds for MND research.

“Every dollar raised helps drive awareness, research and hope.”