IT’S THE most cherished game on the footy calendar and the FightMND’s Big Freeze is set to be bigger than ever in 2023.
Wednesday morning saw FightMND launch its ninth consecutive Big Freeze, celebrating the moment with a special unveiling of a mural dedicated to inspirational patron and co-founder, Neale Daniher.
The annual Big Freeze event, which occurs as part of the King’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood, sees the league and country throw its support behind Daniher and all those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
MND is a devastating diagnosis and currently more than 2,000 Australians are living with it, their average life expectancy is only 27 months.
During the launch event, FightMND also launched its ninth iteration of the famous Big Freeze beanie, with proceeds from the beanies going towards research and initiatives to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.
This year, Daniher is urging all Australians to be ‘ALL IN’ for the fight against ‘the beast’ that is MND.
"This artwork is a powerful reminder of all that we have achieved together, from the researchers to fundraisers to those currently living with or affected by MND. We are united in our mission to find a cure and will not rest until we do,” Daniher said.
"Let's continue to fight together, as a community, and wear our beanies with pride."
With a strong connection to the Daniher family, Melbourne is a proud supporter of FightMND and the Big Freeze each year, with CEO Gary Pert hopeful that fans will once again rally around this important cause.
“Sadly, there are people suffering from motor neurone disease every day, which also impacts their family and friends. In effect, they are all battling ‘The Beast’,” Pert said.
“If the Melbourne Football Club can help to support people with their daily challenges, this is something we are very committed.
“As a club, we’re incredibly proud of our connection to the Big Freeze and FightMND, and we look forward to the football community coming out in record numbers, in support of the campaign, for the blockbuster King’s Birthday match.
“The Big Freeze is not just another game; it instils hope for everyone affected by MND. It's an opportunity for the entire AFL industry to unite as one and demonstrate our unwavering support for those battling this disease.
“Neale, Jan and the entire Daniher family are part of the extended Melbourne family. They will always have our love and support. Our players, coaches and staff, as well as our members and supporters, all feel a sense of extreme pride in supporting Neale, and those affected by ‘The Beast’.”
The King’s Birthday clash will once again return to the home of football on Monday 12 June at 3:20pm, with pre-game proceedings kicking off with the much-loved Walk to the ‘G.
The fan-favourite Celebrity Slide will also return, an activation in which popular personalities take the icy plunge in front of fans at the ‘G. This year’s sliders are yet to be announced but will be revealed in the coming weeks.
With the clash set to be one of the biggest games of the year, the club is encouraging fans to get in early for ticket purchases, or a special three-game Melbourne membership.
The Big Freeze 9 beanies are available from your local Coles, Coles Express, Bunnings or via the FightMND website.
