By LIAM DURKIN NEALE Daniher AO was farewelled from this life last Wednesday. He was 65. Daniher was rightfully given a state funeral, in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropy. Through FightMND, he helped raise more than $115 million toward medical research to help find a cure for motor neuron disease – the very disease that befell him. Fittingly, his state funeral was held at the MCG. Daniher was a star footballer for Essendon, and revered coach at Melbourne before his health took a fatal turn. He captained Essendon and coached Melbourne for 10 years. Demon players David Neitz and Paul Hopgood shared some lighter moments from their time having Daniher as their strict, no-nonsense coach. That approach extended to local football, as Daniher’s son and former Moe footballer Ben said during his tribute. “I played my first game back in local footy after lockdowns and admittedly I wasn’t in the best shape,” referring to his time with Moe in 2022. “As always, I went over to dad’s place the next day and we started talking about the game. Straight away he asked ‘how much you weighing in at these days?’ I said ‘yeah look, tough lockdown, but I’m an inside midfielder now, bit of a Patty Cripps build’. “I could see him grinning as he typed out his response. He said ‘well you’re not Crippa, and Crippa’s not fat’.” The younger Daniher must have heeded the message, as improved fitness saw him selected in Moe’s most recent team of the decade. “My father meant everything to me, the way he lived his life, showed me how I wanted to live mine,” he said during his tribute. “He taught me the things that matter, and the things that don’t.” Ben was joined by siblings Loz, Luke, Bec, their mother Jan and Neale’s brother Anthony in leading tributes to a truly great Australian. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan also spoke. Australian music icon Paul Kelly performed the famous footy anthem Leaps and Bounds. Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan, whom Daniher gave his first coaching job, rounded out the service. Fagan said his enduring memory from the Lions’ 2024 AFL premiership was the goal kicked by Neale’s nephew Joe Daniher in the game’s final moments. After the service, patrons formed a guard of honour outside the MCG, with the motorcade (appropriately) journeying down Daniher’s Way. Solemn: Flags fly at half-mast outside Latrobe City Council’s Moe Library last Wednesday for Neale Daniher.Vale: Neale Daniher left an indelible mark on Australian society. Photograph: Liam DurkinStand: Australia’s Governor General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Governor-General Margaret Elaine Gardner and Premier Jacinta Allan applaud as Neale Daniher is taken through his guard of honour. Photograph: Liam Durkin

He also won a Magarey Medal.

Western Bulldogs break into the top four with a big win over Essendon at Whitten Oval in the opening game of AFLW Pride Round.

Western Bulldogs break into the top four with a big win over Essendon at Whitten Oval in the opening game of AFLW Pride Round.

Western Bulldogs break into the top four with a big win over Essendon at Whitten Oval in the opening game of AFLW Pride Round.

Western Bulldogs break into the top four with a big win over Essendon at Whitten Oval in the opening game of AFLW Pride Round.

MOONEE VALLEY, VIC. — Police have arrested two people following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle in the Moonee Valley area earlier today.

MOONEE VALLEY, VIC. — Police have arrested two people following a pursuit of a stolen vehicle in the Moonee Valley area earlier today.

Former Essendon great Matthew Lloyd cautions the club ahead of trade week, saying the type of players being pursued might clash with the Bombers’ traditional style.

The race to acquire Nick Blakey from the Swans appears to be down to two teams. Follow all the news and debate from the AFL trade period in our live blog.

ODIW: Australia v Bangladesh; AFLW: Western Bulldogs v Essendon; NBL: Illawarra Hawks v Tasmania JackJumpers

The former Essendon midfielder made the switch over to the arch rivals on the first day of the AFL trade period.

Sydney Swans defender Nick Blakey has become the focal point of the AFL Trade Period amid swirling rumours about his potential departure from the club. The 26-year-old fullback, who was one of five players stood down by the Swans in August for breaching club standards, is reportedly in talks with five rival clubs, including North Melbourne, Gold Coast, Essendon, St Kilda, and Geelong. Blakey, a 2024 All-Australian, has a contract running until 2027 with a reported annual value exceeding $1 million, but his future remains uncertain as he reportedly flew to Melbourne to discuss trade options. The Swans have stated they have received no indication from Blakey or his representatives that he wishes to leave, with head of list strategy Chris Keane expecting him to return in 2027. However, the situation has escalated as Geelong, reportedly at the front of the queue for Blakey, faces challenges in securing the necessary draft picks to facilitate a trade, having already given up a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick for Jordan Ridley. Football journalist Cal Twomey noted the Cats are leading the charge, while Tom Morris reported Blakey will meet with Geelong officials this week. The Swans are reluctant to open talks with Geelong due to the club's lack of assets to broker a deal, especially as Geelong is considered a premiership threat. Other clubs like Essendon, with significant salary cap space and draft picks, and North Melbourne, which has a personal connection through Blakey's father, are also in the mix. The Suns, despite Blakey's previous interest in a move to Queensland due to his partner's relocation, are reportedly unwilling to part with their likely compensation pick (Pick 7) for Ben King. The Saints, holding their first-round pick (Pick 8), could potentially disrupt Geelong's efforts if they choose to pursue Blakey. Michael Voss, a former Carlton coach, suggested Blakey's value could reach three first-round picks, highlighting the financial implications of a potential trade. The situation remains fluid, with Blakey's former mentor John Longmire now at Essendon and new coach Mark McVeigh having worked with Blakey during his time at the Swans. Despite the speculation, the Swans have maintained their stance that Blakey is contracted and will remain with the club.