AFL players prepare for a new-look Big Freeze
There may be no Queen’s Birthday Clash between the Pies and Demons this year, but that hasn’t stopped the AFL community from rallying around the FightMND cause. This is how this year's Big Freeze will look.
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Big changes are set for this year’s Big Freeze, with current players from all 18 AFL clubs taking part for the first time. Geelong’s veteran skipper, Joel Selwood, got an early jump on the field, with the help of teammate Tom Hawkins, who was more than happy to give him an ice shower in preparation for the event.
Getting involved to support Neale Daniher and FightMND was a no-brainer for Selwood, who will represent Geelong at the event.
“I’m really honoured to be a part of this year’s Big Freeze,” said the Geelong captain. “Things will look a little different, but Neale and the team have done a brilliant job in pulling everything together under the circumstances.”
While much of the event has been adapted in light of COVID-19 restrictions, costumes remain a firm fixture and the pressure is on to one-up Nick Riewoldt’s iconic Freddie Mercury impression from last year’s event.
“I can’t reveal anything about my costume, all I can say is we have got creative with exactly how we do the ice bath,” said a tight-lipped Selwood. “Tom Hawkins had a great idea, so we have run with it.”
Although the Queen’s Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood is no longer being staged at the MCG, the Big Freeze 6 will still take place on the grounds as part of a Channel 7’s special one-hour broadcast, airing nationally this Monday.
Since footy fans can’t attend the event in person, they’re encouraged to support the fundraiser by hosting a backyard Big Freeze of their own. Alternatively, they can take a selfie using the hashtag #FillTheG while sporting a Big Freeze beanie, which can be purchased online or from Coles and Bunning stores nationwide.
In addition to spreading awareness, the Big Freeze 6 raises critical funds for FightMND to help find a treatment for motor neurone disease (MND).
“MND is a beast, but over the past five years, the success of the Big Freeze has brought us closer to beating this horrible disease,” said Selwood. “I hope we can all do Neale proud on Monday.”
The Big Freeze 6 will follow a replay of the 2017 Queen’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood, airing 4pm on Channel 7 this Monday, June 8.