The football world gathered at the MCG on Monday for the first Big Freeze since Neale Daniher’s death after a 13-year battle with motor neurone disease.
The 12th edition of the Big Freeze carried a different significance as thousands of fans wearing blue beanies streamed into the famous ground before Melbourne’s King’s Birthday clash with Collingwood.
Daniher died last month aged 64 after a 13-year battle with motor neurone disease, the incurable neurological condition that gradually robs sufferers of their ability to walk, speak, swallow and eventually breathe.
The former Essendon champion and Melbourne coach was diagnosed in 2013 and launched FightMND, helping raise hundreds of millions of dollars for research and support services.
The Big Freeze has grown from a simple fundraising stunt into one of Australian sport’s biggest awareness campaigns, with blue beanies becoming a symbol of Daniher’s fight against what he called ‘The Beast’.
The annual event carried extra significance this year.
The Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn goes down the slide as Neale Daniher for the FightMND Big Freeze
Comedian Andy Lee admitted he was terrified before taking the plunge as Wizz
Cooper Woods wrestled an inflatable shark as surfer Mick Fanning after splashing into the freezing water below
Amy Shark paid tribute to Amy Winehouse with one of the day’s standout costumes
For the first time since the Big Freeze began in 2015, the football community gathered without the man who inspired it.
Daniher’s absence was impossible to ignore, but so too was the impact of the movement he built.
Thousands of supporters wearing blue beanies filled the MCG precinct, while the Walk to the G once again drew huge crowds determined to continue the fight he started.
Organisers also left Neale’s chair in place at the MCG as a tribute to the man whose vision transformed a football match into a national cause.
One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon came when Governor-General Sam Mostyn emerged dressed as Daniher himself.
Wearing a Melbourne cap and honouring the AFL great, Australia’s Head of State launched herself down the famous slide in front of a cheering crowd.
The emotional moments were balanced by the humour and spectacle that have become hallmarks of the event.
Former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones was among the next down the slide after emerging as superstar DJ Fisher.
Former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones entertained fans by arriving dressed as superstar DJ Fisher and doing a shoey
Mark Howard channelled Jason Dunstall with oversized muscles and sleeveless confidence at the MCG
Jo Weston joked she was the world’s tallest Kylie Minogue impersonator at the Big Freeze
The Big Freeze continued Neale Daniher’s fight against motor neurone disease before Monday’s blockbuster
Tim Watson and Bec Daniher were humbled by the support for the late Neale Daniher
Jones even managed a shoey before launching himself into the freezing water, drawing huge cheers from the crowd and laughter from Melbourne players watching during their warm-up.
Television personality Sam Mac followed as children’s favourite Bluey.
The Sunrise presenter nearly came unstuck after his oversized costume filled with water at the bottom of the slide.
‘I’ve got two daughters, any new parent knows Bluey is a staple,’ Mac said.
‘So proud to be a part of it.’
Mac later revealed his uncle is living with motor neurone disease and was attending the match, giving his appearance added significance.
Comedian Andy Lee took on the slide dressed as Wizz, the colourful character from his children’s books.
‘I started out pumped, and now I’m terrified,’ Lee admitted moments before taking the plunge.
One of the standout transformations belonged to former Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas.
Dale Thomas transformed into premiership coach Mick Malthouse, complete with trademark grey hair
Sunrise presenter Sam Mac dressed as Bluey and nearly disappeared beneath the water
Known universally as Daisy, Thomas appeared dressed as his former premiership coach Mick Malthouse, complete with grey hair in one of the most detailed costumes of the day.
The former Magpie looked remarkably like the veteran coach as he made his way towards the slide before plunging into the icy water.
Australian Diamonds and Melbourne Vixens star Jo Weston took a very different approach.
The netball champion arrived dressed as pop superstar Kylie Minogue and quickly won over the crowd.
‘I’m probably the world’s tallest Kylie Minogue impersonator,’ Weston joked.
‘She’s got the X-factor, you know?’
Fox Footy commentator Mark Howard also proved a hit with fans.
Howard, better known to viewers as Howie, transformed into fellow Fox Footy personality Jason Dunstall, complete with oversized muscles and bulging arms.
Josh Saunders joined thousands at the MCG to honour Neale Daniher and support FightMND
Daniel Gorringe arrived in a bizarre half-Collingwood, half-Carlton Josh Fraser costume
The costume was Josh Fraser the Collingwood player and Josh Fraser the Carlton mentor
The costume left former North Melbourne premiership player David King in stitches.
‘There was no way his costume was involving sleeves!’ King joked.
Olympic mogul skiing gold medallist Cooper Woods paid tribute to surfing legend Mick Fanning.
After crashing into the water, Woods celebrated by wrestling with an inflatable shark before reflecting on the importance of the cause.
‘It’s crazy what can happen in a moment. It’s been absolutely crazy,’ Woods said.
‘To be a part of this journey, a part of this community is so special.’
Australian singer Amy Shark embraced the occasion by dressing as the late Amy Winehouse, creating one of the easiest costume matches of the afternoon.
The final slider ensured the event finished with one last dose of football comedy.
Former AFL player, Big Brother contestant and social media personality Daniel Gorringe emerged in a bizarre half-Collingwood, half-Carlton version of former ruckman Josh Fraser.
The costume jokingly portrayed Fraser as Carlton’s next senior coach because he had ‘grown back his hair’ at the club.
As the celebrities climbed from the freezing water and attention shifted towards the blockbuster clash between Melbourne and Collingwood, the purpose of the day remained front and centre.
The AFL also announced a new voting process for the Neale Daniher Trophy, which is awarded after the King’s Birthday clash.
Rather than recognising simply the best player on the ground, coaches Steven King and Craig McRae will award votes based on the values Daniher embodied throughout his life: bravery, resilience, unity, care, conviction and selflessness.
The Daniher family will then determine the winner.
It was a fitting tribute to a man whose influence continues to stretch far beyond football.
