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MCG honours AFL Legend Neale Daniher at Big Freeze 12 | 9 News Australia
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June 7, 2026
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6:28Now PlayingThe Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the wider Australian sporting community are set to become a massive sea of blue beanies for Big Freeze 12. However, this year marks a deeply poignant milestone, as it is the first time the iconic celebrity ice bath event will take place without its inspirational founder, AFL legend Neale Daniher AO, who sadly lost his 13-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) just a fortnight ago.
In this moving broadcast from The Today Show, hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo speak live with Neale’s son, Luke Daniher, outside the stadium ahead of the traditional King's Birthday clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Luke reflects beautifully on the overwhelming national outpouring of love for his father, noting how his family plans to follow Neale’s famous rallying cry to "play on" in the face of immense grief.
Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the event remains a spectacular celebration of a lasting legacy. Organisers expect a record-breaking crowd of 90,000 spectators to pile into the 'G to watch high-profile sliders brave the freezing plunge. Highlighting the reach of the cause across sporting codes, NRL star Jai Arrow—who was also recently diagnosed with MND—will join the community on the ground to toss the match coin.
To date, FightMND has raised an astonishing $141 million to support vital medical research and care facilities. Watch the full interview to see how Australia is uniting to defeat "The Beast" once and for all, keeping the memory of a true national hero alive. Viewers can show their support by grabbing a physical or digital beanie online. | *Subscribe and 🔔
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