DOM Tyson says the work that ex-Essendon captain and former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher is doing in regards to raising funds with motor neurone disease is “simply remarkable”.
The midfielder said he was in awe of what Daniher had achieved with his ‘Big Freeze at the G’ campaign.
“People always say it’s just a game, but to be honest … what he’s going through and then to be able to step outside that and influence and raise so much money [is incredible]. To be honest, I didn’t know much about motor neurone disease before Neale came and spoke to us three years ago,” he told Melbourne TV.
“He’s created awareness for me and what he’s doing with the beanies [is fantastic] and there is money being raised and awareness being made globally. I’d like to think that there is a little bit extra we can play for to impress Neale and make him proud.
“I know Collingwood is pretty proud to be part of the game as well, so hopefully we can get 80,000 at the game and we can raise a lot of money and we can create a good day and a good atmosphere, and have a red-hot crack during the game.”
Looking ahead to Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood at the MCG, Tyson said it loomed as even contest.
“They’re in some really good form and they’ve got a deep midfield and some high-quality players through there and some young defenders that seem to be finding some form as well and some young forwards,” he said.
“We match-up pretty well … but it’s an important game for both teams – we’re fighting for some momentum and they’re on a bit of a momentum train, so they want to keep that rolling.
“It shapes as a pretty good game, I reckon.”
With Melbourne having come up against ex-Demon Jeremy Howe last year, the red and blue will also front former Dee and first-year Pie Lynden Dunn for the first time this round.
Tyson said there was no doubt there would be some banter from the former Melbourne vice-captain.
“I’m sure Dunny will have a bit to say out there. He used to have a bit to say, playing for us,” he said with a smile.
“That just adds another little element, but you don’t really mention it or think about it too much – maybe a day before the game.
“I don’t know if the boys have been shooting him any text messages or anything like that, so we’ll just have to see how that plays out.”