King’s Birthday coaches Craig McRae and Steven King will vote on the Neale Daniher Trophy for the player that best represents Neale’s values in an “enhanced process” for Monday’s Big Freeze match.
The AFL, in consultation with the Daniher family, confirmed an update to the voting system for the annual Collingwood-Melbourne clash in a tribute to Neale, who passed away last month following a 13-year battle with motor neurone disease.
The two coaches will vote 3-2-1 on the player who “best demonstrates the values Neale lived every day — bravery, resilience, unity, care, conviction and selflessness — and who best reflects his enduring mantra to “Play On”.”
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In the event of a tie, the Daniher family will have the deciding vote.
The Neale Daniher Trophy was previously awarded to the best player on the ground, as judged by an assembled panel.
“We wanted the Neale Daniher Trophy to more explicitly recognise the qualities and values that Neale lived every day,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said.
“Neale inspired millions of Australians through his courage, resilience, optimism, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others. Those values sit at the heart of the Big Freeze and the King’s Birthday match, and it is fitting they are now reflected in the way the trophy is awarded.
“Having the coaches identify the players who best embodied those qualities, and having the Daniher family present the award, will ensure the Neale Daniher Trophy remains a meaningful and lasting tribute to Neale’s legacy.”
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The Magpies (5-6-1, 99.9%) will unleash 27-year old mid-season recruit Mitch Podhajski for his AFL debut in a bid to boost their forward line, and welcome back Harry Perryman from injury as they desperately try and stay in touch with the top 1o.
Melbourne (7-5, 101.8%) has regained Jake Lever from concussion protocols as Steven King’s troops look to bounce back from consecutive losses.
Match details: Collingwood v Melbourne from 3.15pm AEST at the MCG.
Watch it live: On Fox Footy (channel 504), and streaming on Kayo, from 2pm AEST
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