Daniher drives hope for tragic Tassie star

FORMER Melbourne footballer Brad Green has vowed to channel the positive vibes of his old coach Neale Daniher as he deals with life after the tragic loss of his wife.

Tasmanian Green said he had been inspired by Daniher’s bravery battling deadly motor neurone disease as he pushes through the heartache of his wife Anna’s shock death in May.

Green and Anna met as children when growing up in George Town and Low Head.

He said the selfless dedication Daniher had shown since being diagnosed with the cruel disease helped give perspective and encouraged him to take part in this week’s Daniher’s Drive.

“It just gives you a sense that life sometimes can be unfair and you go through ups and downs,” he said.

“And you’re looking to help others because you don’t want anyone to feel the sense of emotion you feel when you deal with the loss of a loved one.”

Green, who played in the 2000 AFL Grand Final under Daniher, said his former coach taught him about the power of positivity long ago.

“He inspires people, which is great.”

Green, enjoying his third Daniher’s Drive, said: “He’s an extraordinary man trying to do an extraordinary thing and he’s not doing it for himself, he’s trying to help get a cure for others.’’

The annual convoy around Victoria to Fight MND kicked off yesterday with more than 300 people rolling out of Werribee Open Range Zoo for a four-day regional tour of hope.

Organisers hope this year’s Daniher’s Drive — the regional version of Fight MND’s Big Freeze at the G — will raise up to $3 million for research into a cure for MND.

Victorian Of The Year Daniher said the generosity of Victorians taking part in the drive and digging deep as volunteers visit towns would make a big difference.

“A big thank you to all you people who have got behind the cause, who have raised so much money to help us Fight MND,” he said. “The hard work is being done.”