Big Freeze 12: Relive the action as sliders take the plunge to Fight MND

It’s a Big Freeze at the ‘G with a special significance following the passing of Neale Daniher last month. Stay across all the action as the celebrity sliders take the plunge!

The West Australian
The Big Freeze 12 event takes place at the MCG to raise funds for motor neurone disease research, following the recent passing of AFL legend Neale Daniher.

AFL: It’s a Big Freeze at the ‘G with a special significance following the passing of Neale Daniher last month.

The annual event preceding the blockbuster clash between Collingwood and Melbourne is set to once again thrill, with a host of big names going down the slide and into the icy water at the MCG in the name of raising funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease.

Musician Amy Shark headlines this year’s participants, with Australia’s governor-general Sam Mostyn also taking the plunge.

Former King’s Birthday stalwarts Nathan Jones (Melbourne) and Dale Thomas (Collingwood) represent past players, with fellow athletes Jo Weston and Cooper Woods also on board. Andy Lee, Sam Mac, Dan Gorringe and Mark Howard round out the group.

Stay across all the action below - and tune in on Seven and 7Plus - as the celebrity sliders take the plunge from 12pm (WA time)!

That’s all for now

Pickett grabbed a second goal before Nick Daicos gets Collingwood on the board as he finds space in a phone box to snap a kick through from the boundary.

Unreal finish.

Hopefully, the rest of the match can maintain this standard but for now that’s where we’ll leave it.

Donations are still pouring in, and the tributes to Neale Daniher have been moving.

But the most important part is to keep continuing the fight and take down the ‘beast’ that is MND.

Until next time bye for now.

Kozzy kicks a ripper

Melbourne gets on the board first after Collingwood leaves the Demons star in way too much space.

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See all the sliders

Here’s a summary of all the sliders while over 70,000 virtual beanies have been sold.

Jai Arrow tosses the coin

He’s joined by his son as Melbourne wins the toss.

Such a tragic story for the NRL star but here’s hoping his fight can inspire much like Neale’s.

Players come together for Neale

Collingwood, Melbourne, and the umpires stand arm in arm around the centre circle.

A tribute video of Neale is played, and there’s warm applause.

Players will be playing for the Neale Daniher trophy for the most courageous and selfless player today.

Steven King speaks

“It’s great to see so many blue beanies today,” he says.

“It felt like the right thing to do for the club and for the Daniher family, and thank them for all that they’ve done.”

Gorringe goes bizarre

He comes out as Carlton interim coach Josh Fraser with a half-shaved face and quarter-shaved head.

“Josh Fraser is the saviour for the Blues,” he announces

He goes down holding a photo of Neale Daniher.

“It’s pretty cold, not going to lie, I regret shaving the hair, but for the great man Neale, I do anything.

“Continue the fight, it’s an absolute honour.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Dan Gorringe goes down the slide as Josh Fraser for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Dan Gorringe goes down the slide as Josh Fraser for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images

Amy comes as Amy

Amy Shark comes out as Amy Winehouse, complete with the beehive hair.

“She just paved the way for girls to express their feelings unapologetically.”

“I’m so honoured to be a part of this. Neale is the greatest leading man and such an inspiration.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Amy Shark goes down the slide as Amy Winehouse for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Amy Shark goes down the slide as Amy Winehouse for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images

Mark Howard is next

He comes out as Jason Dunstall, complete with the mullet.

“I wish you still had the hair, chief.”

He even sends out a kick, which is marked by Tom Morris on the ground.

“Thanks to the Daniher and everyone for letting me part of the day.”

The camera cuts to Jai Arrow, the former NRL player, who had to retire last month after being diagnosed with MND will toss the coin for the match.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Mark Howard goes down the slide as Jason Dunstall for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Mark Howard goes down the slide as Jason Dunstall for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images

Dale Thomas is up

The Collingwood star comes out as former coach Mick Malthouse, complete with an impression

“Hopefully, it’s a good performance out there from the boys, and hopefully, there’s no more silly questions.”

He completes the look by bringing out the actual Nick Maxwell, who genuinely looks like he could still play, complete with the 2010 premiership cup, to recreate the grand final photo.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Dale Thomas goes down the slide as Mick Malthouse for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Dale Thomas goes down the slide as Mick Malthouse for FightMND Big Freeze 12 ahead of the round 13 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on June 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images

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