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When All is Said & Done
WINNER OF THE ABIA BIOGRAPHY BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020
A wise man said, 'Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.'I understand the wisdom of this - right now, I don't have much 'forwards' left.
Neale Daniher sat down to pen a letter to the grandchildren he'll never get to know. And then he kept on writing ...
In 2013, the AFL legend was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease - a cruel and incurable condition. He had a choice. He could spend his remaining time focused on himself, or he could seize the opportunity to make a better future for others.
Neale is no stranger to challenge. He grew up on a farm in remote New South Wales, the third of eleven children. He battled injury during his football career with Essendon, then jumped on the coaching rollercoaster, leading Melbourne for a decade. As general manager of football operations, he was part of the West Coast Eagles' cultural rebuild.
From the hard-won wisdom of life on the land and the love of his family, to the triumphs and gutting lows of elite football, Neale has learnt to make the most of the cards he's been dealt - to always live with purpose and to appreciate what he has.
True to form, Neale chose to stare down the disease he calls 'The Beast', and in 2014 he co-founded FightMND, an organisation that has since invested over $40 million into research and care initiatives. In 2015, he became the public face of the foundation's biggest fundraising event, The Big Freeze.
When All is Said & Done is a book of stories and wisdom from a man who has always held his beliefs to the Bunsen burner of life. Neale is unflinchingly honest, sharing a timely reminder that, even though life doesn't promise to be fair, we all have the power to choose how to make our time on this earth matter.
A wise man said, 'Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.'I understand the wisdom of this - right now, I don't have much 'forwards' left.
Neale Daniher sat down to pen a letter to the grandchildren he'll never get to know. And then he kept on writing ...
In 2013, the AFL legend was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease - a cruel and incurable condition. He had a choice. He could spend his remaining time focused on himself, or he could seize the opportunity to make a better future for others.
Neale is no stranger to challenge. He grew up on a farm in remote New South Wales, the third of eleven children. He battled injury during his football career with Essendon, then jumped on the coaching rollercoaster, leading Melbourne for a decade. As general manager of football operations, he was part of the West Coast Eagles' cultural rebuild.
From the hard-won wisdom of life on the land and the love of his family, to the triumphs and gutting lows of elite football, Neale has learnt to make the most of the cards he's been dealt - to always live with purpose and to appreciate what he has.
True to form, Neale chose to stare down the disease he calls 'The Beast', and in 2014 he co-founded FightMND, an organisation that has since invested over $40 million into research and care initiatives. In 2015, he became the public face of the foundation's biggest fundraising event, The Big Freeze.
When All is Said & Done is a book of stories and wisdom from a man who has always held his beliefs to the Bunsen burner of life. Neale is unflinchingly honest, sharing a timely reminder that, even though life doesn't promise to be fair, we all have the power to choose how to make our time on this earth matter.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2019
66 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 3, 2020
Neale Daniher is well known to many as the AFL legend and sadly, many others, will know or will have learned of him because of the debilitating disease he has called Motor Neurone Disease (MND) which he was diagnosed with in 2013.
When All Is Said & Done is an inspiring biography that was written by Neale for his grandchildren because he won’t get to see them grow up. In this book they will get a genuine understanding of who their grandfather was and his life story from his childhood into adulthood.
I’m not a huge footy fan by any means, but you don’t need to be to read this book. The journey of Neale’s life is a truly interesting and emotional one, but one that I will remember for a long time to come. Neale calls MND “The Beast” and rightly so. A crippling and cruel disease that many have tried to fight against, but sadly lost the fight. In 2014 Neale co – founded FightMND an organisation that has put millions of dollars into research, then in 2015 Neale became the public face of The Big Freeze the biggest fundraising event held every year to raise more money in the hope that one day there will be a cure for MND.
Neale Daniher is one inspiring man and so too is this book. I have no doubt when the time comes for his grandchildren to read this book they will learn about who their grandfather was and they will be so proud of him. A truly beautiful story that makes you appreciate your life and those close to you and that life is precious, so make every day count and enjoy it. Highly recommended.
When All Is Said & Done is an inspiring biography that was written by Neale for his grandchildren because he won’t get to see them grow up. In this book they will get a genuine understanding of who their grandfather was and his life story from his childhood into adulthood.
I’m not a huge footy fan by any means, but you don’t need to be to read this book. The journey of Neale’s life is a truly interesting and emotional one, but one that I will remember for a long time to come. Neale calls MND “The Beast” and rightly so. A crippling and cruel disease that many have tried to fight against, but sadly lost the fight. In 2014 Neale co – founded FightMND an organisation that has put millions of dollars into research, then in 2015 Neale became the public face of The Big Freeze the biggest fundraising event held every year to raise more money in the hope that one day there will be a cure for MND.
Neale Daniher is one inspiring man and so too is this book. I have no doubt when the time comes for his grandchildren to read this book they will learn about who their grandfather was and they will be so proud of him. A truly beautiful story that makes you appreciate your life and those close to you and that life is precious, so make every day count and enjoy it. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2020
Neale Daniher was a high-profile figure in the AFL as a player, coach and administrator. At the age of 52, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, and has since turned his considerable energies and abilities into raising money for research to cure MND.
Ostensibly, Daniher has written this book to give his grandchildren, who he won't be around to watch grow up, a way of understanding who their grandfather was and how he approached life. He covers his growing up on a farm, a playing career cut short by injury, a frustrating period as a coach at a dysfunctional club, his eventual diagnosis, and the aftermath.
Daniher reveals himself as a somewhat reticent person who can still be blunt, and this shows through in his writing. The book reads like a mixture of a management text on leadership and a self-improvement book. What must have been crushing career lows for him are framed as almost emotionless lessons in how to deal with adversity and move on. It is only in about the last 30 pages that Daniher allows himself to translate the impact of his diagnosis into words that go to the heart of his feelings at the time. Neale Daniher is an inspirational man but, sadly, this book does not convey that very well.
Ostensibly, Daniher has written this book to give his grandchildren, who he won't be around to watch grow up, a way of understanding who their grandfather was and how he approached life. He covers his growing up on a farm, a playing career cut short by injury, a frustrating period as a coach at a dysfunctional club, his eventual diagnosis, and the aftermath.
Daniher reveals himself as a somewhat reticent person who can still be blunt, and this shows through in his writing. The book reads like a mixture of a management text on leadership and a self-improvement book. What must have been crushing career lows for him are framed as almost emotionless lessons in how to deal with adversity and move on. It is only in about the last 30 pages that Daniher allows himself to translate the impact of his diagnosis into words that go to the heart of his feelings at the time. Neale Daniher is an inspirational man but, sadly, this book does not convey that very well.
May 9, 2020
This book is not a straight autobiography. It’s more a series of anecdotes that illustrate qualities and attitudes that Daniher has found useful in his journey through life. It is a feel good ride all the way. Some might view it as a bit hokey but I was already a fan of Neale Daniher (as a Demons supporter) before starting this book. I really enjoyed his view of the world and what’s important in it. Life lessons are imparted in every chapter and the letter to his grandchildren (whom he will never see grow up) had me in a flood of tears. Tears for not only a life well-lived, but also because he won’t be around (thanks to “The Beast”, MND) to share more wisdom with them. It’s clear that this was a major motivating factor for completing this volume.
If you like Neale Daniher, and you enjoy seeing him address AFL players before the Big Freeze game each year at the “G”, you will love it.
If you like Neale Daniher, and you enjoy seeing him address AFL players before the Big Freeze game each year at the “G”, you will love it.
October 23, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect from this autobiography, as I only read it because someone said I really ought to and I valued their opinion enough to do it. I'm so glad I did. It deals with a broad range of topics and each of them is approached in the same thoughtful, humorous and laconic way. Neale Daniher has been dealt such a tough hand but he's making every second count, he's making a difference to everyone from those he knows and loves to those he doesn't know but who share his fate, and he's appreciating every stage of his upbringing, football career, family and life in general. The annual 'Big Freeze' is the most amazing fundraising event and it's part of Neale's wonderful legacy. The letter to his grandchild left me in tears but I'm so glad to know he has the joy of being a grandfather. I wear the MND beanie with pride and admiration for him.
September 2, 2021
What a great inspiring read! Really enjoyed all the small moments Neale shared about his upbringing - I even discovered we were taught by the same nun, Sister Terista!
March 26, 2025
I didn’t think I could have anymore respect for this man than I already did but hearing his life story and all the adversity he has gone through was so interesting. Not just a book for AFL fans
July 15, 2020
A beautifully written book by Neale Daniher. 3 1/2 stars.
I grew up alongside the Daniher family, with his eldest daughter and I friends in primary school. I have always followed AFL as well and was deeply affected when Neale was diagnosed.
This book explores the life of Neale, the experiences and pressures of a young child growing up in the country, moving to boarding school and then moving to Melboune to start his AFL career. The stories and reflections and beautifully intertwined and I enjoyed the style and flow of the book.
I wasn't expecting as much focus on football and more about his later years since finishing coaching and his focus on his charity and what he would like to achieve in the future for MND and his family, however there was not much which I would have preferred.
I grew up alongside the Daniher family, with his eldest daughter and I friends in primary school. I have always followed AFL as well and was deeply affected when Neale was diagnosed.
This book explores the life of Neale, the experiences and pressures of a young child growing up in the country, moving to boarding school and then moving to Melboune to start his AFL career. The stories and reflections and beautifully intertwined and I enjoyed the style and flow of the book.
I wasn't expecting as much focus on football and more about his later years since finishing coaching and his focus on his charity and what he would like to achieve in the future for MND and his family, however there was not much which I would have preferred.
July 15, 2020
I really like Neale & his book is filled with his life experiences and the wisdom he has gained from them... some great perspectives & life lessons to be gained by reading it. But I have to admit I really did struggle to get through it - never before has it taken me 3 months to read a book. There was no pull to draw me back in, to make me want to pick it up every night & to keep on reading it, other than the fact that I always have to read a book to its end! I guess in the end it is just not my style of book.
January 24, 2020
I probably would have rated it 3.5 if there wasn’t as much philosophical detail at the start of every chapter.I found some of the information really valuable, however I feel that the important points became diluted with philosophy overload. That said Neale’s life story is very interesting and you have to feel for him with some of his obstacles during his journey. Good luck.
May 20, 2020
I am not a fan of biographies, especially sporting biographies, but occasionally one comes along that I can tolerate. This book I more than tolerated, it was honest and funny. I felt like Neale was giving me a life lesson at times. Be a sad day when this amazing man leaves our world. He really is an inspiration
May 1, 2022
Genuinely got me inspired at a time I needed it.
December 11, 2023
This is a question that I truly hope you or those that you love and care about will never be able to answer……. How do you believe you would be, how would you feel and what would you do with your remaining time on this earth if you were told that you had a disease without treatment and’s without cure. A disease that at best gave you 2 yrs to live, whilst over that time if would slowly rob you of all physical capability and function until it progressed to your ability to breath. To when it would suffocate you.
Two to three Australians receive such a diagnosis each day. Hundreds of people face what MND is bringing, what it will be and how it will take them from this life
The author of this work had a high recognition within many aspects of Australian culture due to his high profile and leadership roles with sport. A player and long term coach at the highest levels of Australian Rules Football, he was well known to many. A family man. A grandfather. A brother to 10 siblings. A son. A friend. A team mate. A coach.
The author shares insights into all of these aspects of his life, whilst also sharing with the reader his insights into how he became the person he is, with his understanding of what he at least is “all about”. It’s a diverse journey, well told without any “I told you do’s” and without becoming “this be the way”. He retains the straight talking, no nonsense country boy and man he was, someone who calls it as he sees it who in his closing chapters notes that once your dead, everyone thinks you were a good bloke.
With what he has done for MND awareness, for the legacy the FightMND will remain within the city I live in, the Good Bloke title could never be better given than it is to this man.
It’s not for that that I give this four stars, it is for sharing this whole work with us as he has.
Two to three Australians receive such a diagnosis each day. Hundreds of people face what MND is bringing, what it will be and how it will take them from this life
The author of this work had a high recognition within many aspects of Australian culture due to his high profile and leadership roles with sport. A player and long term coach at the highest levels of Australian Rules Football, he was well known to many. A family man. A grandfather. A brother to 10 siblings. A son. A friend. A team mate. A coach.
The author shares insights into all of these aspects of his life, whilst also sharing with the reader his insights into how he became the person he is, with his understanding of what he at least is “all about”. It’s a diverse journey, well told without any “I told you do’s” and without becoming “this be the way”. He retains the straight talking, no nonsense country boy and man he was, someone who calls it as he sees it who in his closing chapters notes that once your dead, everyone thinks you were a good bloke.
With what he has done for MND awareness, for the legacy the FightMND will remain within the city I live in, the Good Bloke title could never be better given than it is to this man.
It’s not for that that I give this four stars, it is for sharing this whole work with us as he has.
March 4, 2024
ALS is a cruel disease. My mum is 83 and had great difficulty speaking and swallowing much of anything. Food was getting trapped in her throat and blocking her air way was happening more often. she battled for each breath. The riluzole did very little to help her. The medical team did even less. Her decline was rapid and devastating. The psychological support from the medical centre was non-existent and if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of our primary physician, there she would have died. There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. Acupuncture eased her anxiety a bit. this year our primary physician started her on Natural Herbs Centre ALS/MND Ayurvedic treatment, 6 months into treatment she improved dramatically. It has been a complete turnaround with her speech, she no longer needs the feeding tube to feed, the treatment is a miracle. She recovered significantly! Visit Natural herbs centre. com
March 4, 2024
ALS is a cruel disease. My mum is 83 and had great difficulty speaking and swallowing much of anything. Food was getting trapped in her throat and blocking her air way was happening more often. she battled for each breath. The riluzole did very little to help her. The medical team did even less. Her decline was rapid and devastating. The psychological support from the medical centre was non-existent and if it were not for the sensitive care and attention of our primary physician, there she would have died. There has been little if any progress in finding a cure or reliable treatment. Acupuncture eased her anxiety a bit. this year our primary physician started her on Natural Herbs Centre ALS/MND Ayurvedic treatment, 6 months into treatment she improved dramatically. It has been a complete turnaround with her speech, she no longer needs the feeding tube to feed, the treatment is a miracle. She recovered significantly! Visit Natural herbs centre. com
February 5, 2023
When All is Said & Done
is the autobiography of Neale Daniher - former AFL (Australian Rules) footballer, former AFL coach and family man. Diagnosed with the incurable MND (Motor Neuron Disease), Daniher does not just give up and await his fate, he fights.
Having set up The Big Freeze (a big fund raising event to help fight against MND during the Australian Rules Football season), Daniher sets about sharing stories of his life and imparts various bits of wisdom he has picked up in his life. These bits of wisdom, although helpful for most people, are mainly there as a message to his grandchildren and future grandchildren.
Daniher is extremely positive and very honest in the way he puts forward his story and it is one book that I feel everyone should read. Absolutely brilliant!
Having set up The Big Freeze (a big fund raising event to help fight against MND during the Australian Rules Football season), Daniher sets about sharing stories of his life and imparts various bits of wisdom he has picked up in his life. These bits of wisdom, although helpful for most people, are mainly there as a message to his grandchildren and future grandchildren.
Daniher is extremely positive and very honest in the way he puts forward his story and it is one book that I feel everyone should read. Absolutely brilliant!
December 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, Neale has a very interesting voice and so much to say. I didn't agree with everything he said, but it was told in such a compelling way that I believed everything he said as coming from a wealth of experience.
Since I'm not super knowledgeable about AFL, I did read this with my boyfriend who was able to fill in a few blanks for me, definitely recommended for any layperson. But aside from the important information he gave me, I really enjoyed reading this with another person as it gave me the opportunity to talk through each of Neale's ideas and experiences.
Since I'm not super knowledgeable about AFL, I did read this with my boyfriend who was able to fill in a few blanks for me, definitely recommended for any layperson. But aside from the important information he gave me, I really enjoyed reading this with another person as it gave me the opportunity to talk through each of Neale's ideas and experiences.
June 15, 2020
Neale's earnest character reminds us to check our perspective in times of adversity, to push ourselves to be the best person we can be and to be of service to others through actions not just words. He has been significant in developing the careers and lives of many men, and is generously advocating to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease sufferers in future generations despite coming to terms with his own mortality.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was well written, and included a thoughtful letter to his grandchildren and list of his favourite songs. I appreciate his down to earth storytelling, philosophies on life and death, and his ability to own and work on his imperfections. He is so admirable, as is his outspoken love for his family, mates and footy.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was well written, and included a thoughtful letter to his grandchildren and list of his favourite songs. I appreciate his down to earth storytelling, philosophies on life and death, and his ability to own and work on his imperfections. He is so admirable, as is his outspoken love for his family, mates and footy.
June 8, 2025
Wanted to read this after listening to Bec Daniher’s interview on shameless & did a combo of audiobook and reading which I liked. Quite a lot of footy content (should have expected it) but also a lot of reflections about life & his MND diagnosis. He sounds like an incredible man.
Also - found out that he used to live on the road right next to ours!!
Also - found out that he used to live on the road right next to ours!!
January 29, 2020
Enjoyed listening on Borrowbox. This is an absolute must-read for players, coaches and club officials at any level. Loved chapters on friendships and personality types of players and coaches. Congratulations Neale on the amazing legacy you have created.
February 4, 2020
A wonderful autobiography of a man whose life is slipping through his fingers. MND, Motor Nurone Disease is slowly reducing his body to a waste while leaving his mind sharp and intact. Well written and full of laughs and reflection of a career in Australian Rules Football.
June 15, 2020
Yes I enjoyed reading about this book written by and about such an inspiring man, at times the football sections became boring, for me, but as it is Neale lifetime needed to be there, it felt like coaching, but I’m glad I kept reading.
October 6, 2020
Wow, what a book! One of the best biographies I've read. Ok, I maybe a little biased considering he's a co-founder of a foundation that means a lot to me, and that I often fundraise for. But if you want a story about a life of common sense, it is definitely one to read!
April 6, 2021
This book is more about leadership than it is about football. Interesting read about a man with a lot of self awareness and emotional intelligence and the lessons he learned it life - which given he was an AFL footballer and coach, makes sense that this is where he had his greatest learnings.
January 17, 2023
Within this book, there are so many themes and nuggets of gold that should be considered for inclusion in the education system.
Read it for your own enjoyment, to challenge your emotions and to share with your close ones.
Read it for your own enjoyment, to challenge your emotions and to share with your close ones.
February 15, 2025
As a lifelong Demons fan, I realised how little I knew about the early parts of Neale’s life. The blending of life events and his learnings was masterfully done. Thank you Neale for all you continue to do for this worthy cause.
January 31, 2020
A life well lived and a wonderful legacy to leave behind
March 19, 2020
Good read. Great insight into an interesting man
May 11, 2020
Easy reading with the anecdotal style and good humoured take on his career. Not much on his fight against MND until the last few pages. A brave man!
May 31, 2020
Awesome book, great insight into some life lessons from a great person and an amazing mentor.
I only have two gripes about it. No 1 being that while I did indeed enjoy the advice that Neale was imparting onto the reader, it did get a bit too philosophical at times. I also would have liked to hear more about his struggle with MND and the FightMND foundation himself, but I guess that's just a personal preference.
Other than that it was a really good book and a highly recommended read for anyone, especially if you are into AFL.
I only have two gripes about it. No 1 being that while I did indeed enjoy the advice that Neale was imparting onto the reader, it did get a bit too philosophical at times. I also would have liked to hear more about his struggle with MND and the FightMND foundation himself, but I guess that's just a personal preference.
Other than that it was a really good book and a highly recommended read for anyone, especially if you are into AFL.
May 30, 2020
A motivational read. I would have loved to have been coached by Neale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews