Big Freeze 2020: AFL players sliding to fight MND
Big name AFL players from each club have dressed up and cooled down in the Big Freeze event. From the Tiger King to Thor, see who took to the icy slide.
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Footy great Neale Daniher and the Fight MND army weren’t going to let a global pandemic get in the way of the Big Freeze 6.
While there was no crowd at the MCG and no slide, this year saw superstars from each of the AFL’s 18 clubs answer Daniher’s call to keep the tradition alive, dressing in costume to endure an icy splash in one way or another.
Despite the challenges, yesterday’s (Monday) fundraiser is still expected to exceed over $7 million for the fight against motor neurone disease.
Daniher himself made some appearances from home, always embodying the spirit of the fight and the fun of the legendary day.
“COVID-19 may have shut down the slide at the MCG but it hasn’t shut down the fight, MND keeps killing and that’s why we need to keep fighting,” he said.
“MND might get me but the Big Freeze campaign, with your support, will eventually get it.”
Some of the players paid tribute to frontline heroes.
Geelong’s Joel Selwood dressed as a healthcare worker and Crows forward Taylor Walker wore a firefighter outfit, paying respect to their efforts in the recent bushfire crisis.
Brisbane Lions star Mitch Robinson dressed as Tiger King’s Joe Exotic, giving the camera a growl before being covered in ice by his teammate Dayne Zorko, playing Exotic’s rival Carole Baskin.
Carlton player Patrick Cripps said AFL footballers would “do anything” to help Daniher’s cause.
“Neale Daniher is such an inspiration to so many in what he does, not only with what’s going on in his life, but as a leader in his field,” he said.
The fight against ‘The Beast’ was also supported by the Federal Government, as Health Minister Greg Hunt announced a donation of $2 million towards the fund to find a cure.
“While this has been the hardest of years, Australians have risen magnificently to back each other and support each other and care of each other,” he said.
Buy a Fight MND beanie at Coles or Bunnings, or donate at fightmnd.org.au
PETRACCA TAKES THE PLUNGE
Melbourne forward Christian Petracca is normally warming up in the change rooms during the Big Freeze at the ‘G event each year.
But with no Queen’s Birthday clash with Collingwood this year, he instead cooled down as he plunges down a slide and into an ice bath at Casey Fields.
Petracca was voted by fans as Melbourne’s representative to take the plunge in Neale Daniher’s fundraising event for FightMND and was more than happy to join the fun.
“It’s nothing new. We do ice baths every day,” Petracca said.
“But it’s for a really good cause, this one.
“It’s a massive honour to play in the Queen’s Birthday game and Neale has always spoken to us a couple of days before the game about the trouble he’s going through and how he’s helping future generations to find a cure by raising as much money as they can.
“Anyone would have put their hand up for this great cause given what Neale Daniher has done for this great footy club.”
Petracca said he took “about half an hour” to decide on his outfit for the event, which this year sees one player from each of the AFL’s 18 clubs taking part.
“I’m a massive movie head so it’s a character out of one of my favourite movies,” Petracca hinted.
Channel 7 will broadcast a one-hour special of the event from 4pm today, which will include video messages from former Melbourne coach Daniher.
Daniher, 59, is still fighting the incurable motor neurone disease, six years after being diagnosed.
The first five Big Freeze events raised a total of $23.6 million, helping FightMND invest $37.6 million directly into disease research.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will today announce $2 million in funding to boost research for a cure.
It follows a combined $7 million in donations made in 2018 and 2019.
“I am delighted to be able to announce $2 million on behalf of the Australian Government for Fight MND. The work of Neale Daniher and the organisation has been instrumental in raising awareness of MND and working towards finding a cure for this insidious disease,” Mr Hunt said.
FightMND chairman Bill Guest said: “The Australian public has rallied behind the cause again, bought beanies, donated and committed to support our fight against MND.
“People continue to be afflicted by this disease so our fight must go on and we have our army of supporters behind us again which we’re thankful for.”
Blue FightMND beanies are available for purchase at Coles and Bunnings stores for $20 or donations can be made online at fightmnd.org.au
BIG FREEZE PARTICIPANTS:
Toby Greene – GWS
Bailey Smith – Western Bulldogs
Ben Brown – North Melbourne
Patrick Cripps – Carlton
Orazio Fantasia – Essendon
Mitch Robinson – Brisbane
Brandon Ellis – Gold Coast
Brad Sheppard – West Coast
Jack Riewoldt – Richmond
Christian Petracca – Melbourne
Steele Sidebottom – Collingwood
Isaac Heeney – Sydney
Isaac Smith – Hawthorn
Joel Selwood – Geelong
Tom Rockliff – Port Adelaide
Taylor Walker – Adelaide
Bradley Hill – St Kilda
Michael Walters – Fremantle
READ MORE:
FIGHT MND’S CO-FOUNDER IN QUEEN’S BDAY HONOURS