The Queen’s Birthday holiday will once again play host to one of the top days on the AFL calendar, with 10 of Australia’s biggest names set to take the plunge for the Big Freeze on Seven and 7plus.
For the past seven seasons, the Big Freeze has been a crowd-favourite pre-match fixture at the Collingwood-Melbourne Queen’s Birthday blockbuster, with FightMND and AFL icon Neale Daniher sending a who’s who of the football, sport and media worlds down the slide into Australia’s most famous ice bath.
With a special one-hour live broadcast on Channel 7, 7mate and 7plus, Australians can tune in to see their favourite stars embrace the Big Freeze tradition by dressing up and taking an icy plunge to raise funds for FightMND.
Announced last night on The Front Bar, Australian cricket legend Justin Langer rounded out the team of 10 sliders including Seven’s own Rebecca Maddern and Andy Maher, alongside Australian tennis star Ash Barty, Beijing 2022 gold medallist Jakara Anthony and legendary star of stage and screen, Rhonda Burchmore.
In an act of support for his much-loved brother, former Essendon footballer Terry Daniher will also head down the Big Freeze slide, alongside fellow AFL fan favourites Eddie Betts and David Neitz, and Melbourne Demons tragic Hamish Blake.
Big Freeze contenders
Speaking to The Front Bar on Wednesday night, Campaign Director for FightMND, Bec Daniher, thanked Australians for embracing the annual event as she announced a $2 million fundraising target.
“Everyone has been such incredible supporters of the cause, and we know the beanies are out there everywhere,” she said.
“As we lead into this final few days, we are asking everyone if they can pitch in a little bit more. We know that with their support we are going to be able to get there, and what that will mean to the fight against MND is massive.
“It’s going to help us accelerate this search to find treatment and a cure.
“We know that the generosity of the Australian community just knows no bounds.”
Watch the Big Freeze on Seven and 7plus live from 2pm AEST, Monday June 13.
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Top image: Neale Daniher and family