INSPIRATION comes in many forms, but there’s none quite like that of Neale Daniher.

The former Melbourne coach, who has been battling motor neurone disease since 2013, exhibits a spirit that touches those fortunate enough to be around him.

On Wednesday, Melbourne players, staff and coaches were the lucky ones. 

In an address at AAMI Park, Daniher shared his words of wisdom, reminding all those in attendance of life’s obstacles.

“Life’s good, but life doesn’t promise to be fair,” he said.

“There will be good times, but there will be hard times and there will be mundane times.”

Using his new grandson, Cooper, as his own inspiration, Daniher conveyed the importance of a positive attitude, even in the worst of times.

“I wish for Cooper, like I wish for you people and you will wish for the people you love, is that you can conduct yourself in the right manner when things get tough,” he said.

“In life, it’s not if it will get tough, but just when and how often. So, what is the right way to conduct yourself in difficult times?

“The right way is having the courage, moral courage, to take responsibility – no matter what happens, it’s up to you to do something about it.

“By doing that, what will emerge inside of you is the better side of your character that will allow you to prevail.”

And in true Daniher style, the much-loved figure is leading by example.

“I was diagnosed with a disease that will kill me – no treatment, no cure and no hope some would say,” he said.

“There’s always opportunity and my opportunity was to fight MND. It allowed me to prevail, it allowed me to find purpose and to transcend what is happening to me.

“You’ve got to learn the right way. That’s something not only to wish for, but to aspire to.”

To donate to Daniher’s Fight MND and help find a cure for motor neurone disease, visit fightmnd.org.au.