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)!
Key Events
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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