AFL coaches ‘nervous’, ‘excited’ ahead of Fight MND’s Big Freeze
FOOTY fans will get the chance to dress some of their coaches when they slide into a pool of ice for Fight MND’s Big Freeze but the coaches themselves are already nervous about the icy challenge.
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FOOTY fans will get the chance to dress some of their coaches when they slide into a pool of ice for Fight MND’s Big Freeze 4 on Queen’s Birthday.
On Friday, The Herald Sun revealed that all 18 AFL senior coaches were asked to take the plunge in an extraordinary show of support for footy great Neale Daniher.
BIG FREEZE: AFL COACHES TO SLIDE FOR MND
Western Bulldogs premiership coach Luke Beveridge said “no one hesitated” but tipped nothing too outlandish for his costume.
“I’m not too much of an extrovert so I wouldn’t expect much there,” Beveridge smiled.
“I’m probably nervous going down a slide in front of that many people.
“I don’t think anyone hesitated to commit to it. Neale’s such an inspiration in his fight against the scourge that is MND and to search for a cure.
“Everyone admires him. He’s such a courageous man. No one hesitated. We’ll all be there.”
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin and Collingwood counterpart Nathan Buckley will be among the first coaches to dive into the ice ahead of their blockbuster clash at the MCG.
“It’s a great cause, isn’t it?” Goodwin said.
“It’s a terrific thing, 18 senior coaches going down the slide. We’ve put it out to our fans to come up with some great ideas.
“There’s a few coming through so we’ll continue to engage our fans and find out what I’m wearing later in the week. Hopefully it’s not too bad.”
Goodwin said the commitment wouldn’t deter from his preparation for the Magpies.
“It’s going to be different but it’s in a bit of a dead time of our coaching,” he sad.
“The players are in their own preparation time but I’m sure I’ll be a bit chilly when I get out.”
Sydney’s John Longmire said he was waiting for Swans fans to come up with his kit.
“We’re waiting for some suggestions from a few supporters … I’m wondering if I can get a big enough wet suit and that’s going to be the starting point,” Longmire said.
“I’m a bit worried about it. What a great concept.”
Swan Dane Rampe said: “Hopefully (Longmire) gets his rig out, he’s got a bit of muscle under there still”.
Longmire was particularly happy that Buckley and Goodwin had committed to the slide before heading to the coach’s box.
“For the boys that are actually coaching on the day to be involved is significant, I just think it’s a wonderful gesture,” he said.
“Having 18 coaches involved in something like this is significant, not only for the absolute cause MND, which is big, but also the person that Neale Daniher is and the role he had in the Coaches’ Association.
“He’s just a great bloke and what a concept.”
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said it was “an honour to be asked” to support Daniher’s commitment to finding a cure for MND.
“It’s no surprise to me how he has completely committed himself to finding a cure for MND.
“I didn’t hesitate to agree to go down the slide.”
On Saturday night Richmond’s Damien Hardwick and Essendon coach John Worsfold were excited to be a part of the event.
Hardwick joked he nearly spat out his beer when it was announced he would be one of 18 AFL senior coaches to go down the slide at the MCG on Monday week.
“Jack Riewoldt reckons he is dressing me ... and pushing me down the slide,” Hardwick said after Richmond’s Dreamtime win over Essendon.
“It is a great cause and we are so happy to get behind it.
“You look at a guy like Neale Daniher and what he has done for football and what he has done for this cause.
“It is an honour to go down the slide. He is such a wonderful human, and we are looking forward to it.”
Worsfold was already thinking about the icy water he would be facing.
“I’m excited about that. To support Fight MND and Neale Daniher ... it’s a great opportunity and the fact all the coaches, really without a second thought, committed to it, including the coaches working on the day, shows the support and love for Neale,” he said.
“It’s going to challenge me, I haven’t had to think about what I’m going to wear. I said before the game I’d go as Mick Fanning and just get the thickest wetsuit you can possibly get.”
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