THE AFL community will once again throw its support behind Melbourne great Neale Daniher and his fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in the eighth annual 'Big Freeze' match.

On Wednesday morning, the famous event was officially launched alongside its iconic blue beanies, which raise much-needed funds for FightMND, an organisation that was founded by Neale in his battle against the disease. 

Joining Bec Daniher on the day of the launch, Demon Angus Brayshaw expressed just how important Neale and the Big Freeze game was to the club.  

“It’s our eighth year of doing it and I remember my first year very clearly and the source of inspiration [Neale] was from the first time,” Brayshaw said.

“Throughout all of last year, when we’re talking about ways to inspire and motivate ourselves, Neale’s the Melbourne person we always seem to come back to.  

“He’s an incredible person and everyone knows that.

Having coached the Demons for 167 games over a 10-year period, Neale has a special connection to Melbourne.

And like thousands of Demon fans at the end of 2021, he proudly watched on from home as the club went on to win a history-making premiership.

“He’s had such a vested interest in our club, so it’s obvious to see why it means so much to him,” Brayshaw said.

“To go through all those hard times and to see us succeed I think is real special and something that we’re hopeful we can do again and he’s around for the next one.”

While explaining the exciting details of this year's event, including the return of the March to the 'G, Bec spoke to her father's ongoing appreciation and love of the red and blue. 

“Dad’s got such strong ties with Melbourne Football Club,” Bec said.

“For him to be able to come down each year and talk to the players before the Big Freeze game is really important, because these guys are stepping forward on our behalf and representing FightMND.

“We’ve seen such strength in the Melbourne Football Club, their supporter base and the players, everyone gets right behind it and that’s so important to dad.”

You can join in on the fight against this disease we call 'The Beast’ by purchasing a ‘Big Freeze 8’ beanie.

Funds raised will go directly towards research and initiatives to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.

BUY A BEANIE AND HELP FIGHT MND