The 2025 AFL Big Freeze delivered another unforgettable spectacle, this time to a full house at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Neale Daniher is more than a former AFL coach. He is a national hero.
Diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013, Daniher chose to fight back – not just for himself, but for every Australian impacted by the cruel, incurable condition.
The former Essendon star and Melbourne coach co-founded FightMND in 2014, launching the now-iconic ‘Big Freeze’ as its flagship event.
Held annually at the MCG on the King’s Birthday public holiday, it has raised over $115million for MND research and support services.
Ten years on, the 2025 AFL Big Freeze was the biggest yet – played to a full house of fans who turned out to honour Daniher’s legacy and laugh, cheer and shed a tear in equal measures.
Australian Olympian Ariarne Titmus prepares to brave the slide into the ice cold water for the 2025 AFL Big Freeze
Titmus had all the moves when she came onto the stage dressed as Olivia Newton-Johns’ Sandy from Grease, but was lost for words at the bottom of the slide
Bec Daniher, Ben Daniher and Neale Daniher do a lap of honour with the Daniher kids in front of a packed house at the ‘G
Cadel Evans and Max Gawn were hard to separate, after the cyclist decided to dress as the Demons captain for the Big Freeze
Mark Taylor paid tribute to his old mate and fellow Test cricket champion Shane Warne
Before the King’s Birthday clash between Collingwood and Melbourne, Australia’s sporting elite lined up to take the plunge in icy water, raising funds and awareness in Daniher’s name.
First down the slide? None other than Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus.
Wearing a sparkling pink outfit inspired by Olivia Newton-John’s Grease role, Titmus opened the show with flair and heart – setting the tone for an unforgettable afternoon.
Cycling legend Cadel Evans followed, rocking an outfit that made him look like a miniature version of Melbourne Demons captain Max Gawn. It was capped off with Gawn himself waiting at the bottom to congratulate him.
Collingwood royalty Peter Daicos appeared dressed as the Joker, telling Tim Watson, ‘I’m at home… this is how I dress normally.’
With sons Nick and Josh preparing for the match elsewhere in the MCG, Daicos soaked in the spotlight solo.
Actor and former footy player Matt Nable descended dressed as Angus Young from AC/DC, guitar in hand, channeling pure rock energy.
Netball star Liz Watson came out dressed as Barbie, paying tribute to Margot Robbie in full pink – crop top and all.
The full house sign went up at the MCG and the majority of the crowd proudly wore their FightMND Big Freeze beanies for the occasion
Peter Daicos had plenty of laughs dressed as Batman villain The Joker, saying it was just the clothes he normally wore
Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy paid tribute to Kath & Kim’s Magda Szubanski for the slide
It was hard to tell if former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington was roaring to stay in character as Thor, or because of the biting cold
Matt Shirvington followed in full Thor gear, complete with hammer and dramatic cape that nearly took his head off during his icy landing.
Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy earned huge cheers dressed as Sharon Strzelecki from Kath & Kim, honouring Magda Szubanski, who recently announced a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
Former Melbourne Demons fan favourite Aaron Davey wore the red and black once more, this time dressed as Bombers icon Michael Long – linking the moment to his time under Daniher’s coaching leadership.
V8 great Craig Lowndes brought Mad Max to the slide before closing act Mark Taylor came out as the late Shane Warne, complete with floppy white hat and a ball in hand.
‘I’m coming out at No.10, where Warnie should’ve batted,’ he said, bringing the crowd to its feet.
But despite all the colour and costumes, the heart of the Big Freeze has always been Neale Daniher.
Daniher debuted for Essendon in 1979, captained the club in 1982, and overcame serious injury to remain a beloved part of Bombers history.
Later, as coach of Melbourne from 1998 to 2007, he led the club to multiple finals, including a Grand Final appearance in 2000.
When MND hit, Daniher didn’t retreat. He rallied. He used his public profile to raise awareness, fund research, and inspire courage in the face of despair.
This year’s event, watched by millions, was another powerful tribute to that legacy.
