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)!

One gold medallist after another

Diamonds defender Jo Weston is next to brace the slide.

She dances out as Kylie Minogue, perhaps a preview to her set in September when she provides the grand final entertainment.

They’re currently up to 55,000 virtual beanies sold.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Jo Weston goes down the slide as Kylie Minogue 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: Jo Weston goes down the slide as Kylie Minogue 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

Gold medallist Cooper Woods is up

No stranger to the cold, having won Gold in Italy earlier this year.

But he’s switched up today, dressed as surfer Mick Fanning.

He doesn’t surf down, but there’s an inflatable shark to greet him, which he beats up.

“It’s crazy what can happen in a moment, and it’s been crazy to be here and to be part of this journey is so special.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Cooper Woods goes down the slide as Mick Fanning 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: Cooper Woods goes down the slide as Mick Fanning 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

Seven’s own Sam Mac is next

Huge cheer as he comes out as Australian legend Bluey complete with a painted blue face.

“I’ve got two daughters and any new parent knows that Bluey is a saviour.”

He’s almost stuck in the freeze as the costume almost sink in the water.

“I probably didn’t think that part through,” he laughs.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Sam Mac goes down the slide as Bluey 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: Sam Mac goes down the slide as Bluey 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

Governor-General Sam Mostyn

She is dressed as the man himself with a half Essendon, half Melbourne guernsey and Demons cap.

BT says it’s the highest-ranking person to ever go down the slide, which she safely negotiates.

Prime Minister, you’re next as Taylor calls out Anthony Albanese.

“If everyone was like Neale Daniher, this country would be unstoppable, he’s left us a legacy four caring and I hope we can all be like Neale.”

Nathan Jones is Losing It

He’s coming down as DJ Fisher with his hit track Losing It playing

Neale Daniher was his first coach at Melbourne.

“I love Neale I’ll never forget his message.”

He does a shoey at the top of the slide, which is interesting given he’s coaching today, to the delight of the crowd and makes a big splash.

“I’m very honoured to be here, and I hope the team and the club can represent him well today.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Nathan Jones goes down the slide as DJ Fisher 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: Nathan Jones goes down the slide as DJ Fisher 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

Andy Lee is the first slider

He’s dressed as Wizz from his “Do Not Read This Book“ children’s book series.

“I started out pumped but now I’m terrified with all the health and safety.”

He looks terrified to be fair, and he lands face down but fortunately manages to roll himself the right way up.

“I know I’m ball shaped so I was expecting a bit of shrinkage.”

Bec Daniher speaks

She gets a warm round of applause from the crowd.

“Dad was an incredibly special person, he was someone who led from the front and he taught us so much and still had so much to teach us,” she says.

“He loved this day, he loved pushing those sliders down and we’re going to beat this beast for him.”

There’s an empty cheer with a beanie at the top of the slide for Neale.

Tim Watson’s emotional tribute to Daniher

Hear what the Essendon legend and Seven broadcaster had to say about Neale

When is the slide?

The celebrity sliders will start going down in just over 10 minutes’ time, an hour before Collingwood and Melbourne face off.

There will be 10 sliders from former footy stars to broadcasters and award winning singer Amy Shark.

Steven King joins the walk to the G

The Melbourne coach joined fans and the Daniher family in the walk from Federation Square just hours before he has to coach his side in the monster clash.

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