Big Freeze 12: A Splash of Charity at the MCG

The 12th edition of the Big Freeze charity event took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the day of the Collingwood vs. Melbourne AFL match. Ten public figures—including comedians, athletes, and media personalities—each slid into an ice bath wearing costumes, raising funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research.

The event is inspired by former AFL player Neale Daniher, who has MND.

Performances and Ratings

Andy Lee (comedian/author) — 8/10

Wore a blue ball costume based on his book character 'Wizz'. Needed assistance due to costume size. Landed face-first in water. Quipped about cold temperature.

Nathan Jones (Melbourne Football Club supporter) — 8/10

Dressed as DJ Fisher, performed a shoey, lost his hat during slide.

Sam Mostyn AC (Governor-General of Australia) — 6/10

Costume of Neale Daniher with split jumper. Lost football during slide. Controlled entry.

"Neale Daniher inspires me most today." — Sam Mostyn AC

Sam Mac (TV personality) — 8/10

Costume of Bluey character. Hit water on back, floated briefly, required assistance.

"Bluey is a saviour for new parents." — Sam Mac, noting his similarity to a six-year-old girl

Cooper Woods (Olympic mogul skier) — 9/10

Costume of Mick Fanning with surfboard and inflatable shark. Punched and wrestled shark.

"I prefer beach holidays—but I'm a bit soft despite being a winter athlete." — Cooper Woods

Jo Weston (netball player) — 8/10

Costume of Kylie Minogue. Hard entry, large splash.

"I'm probably the world's tallest Kylie Minogue impersonator." — Jo Weston

Dale Thomas (Collingwood supporter) — 8/10

Costume of Mick Malthouse from 2010, held premiership cup. Kept fist in air during slide. No verbal statement.

Mark Howard (sports commentator) — 9/10

Costume of Jason Dunstall from 1980s with mullet wig. Kicked a goal signal, flexed biceps after exit.

"I wish Jason Dunstall still had the hair." — Mark Howard, referencing not using a helmet

Amy Shark (musician) — 7/10

Costume of Amy Winehouse. Shrieked during slide, did not fully submerge.

"I should have come as Brandon Flowers for his suit." — Amy Shark

Dan Gorringe (content creator) — 8/10

Costume of Josh Fraser. Had photo of Neale Daniher. Best hang time, entered on side.

"Josh Fraser is 'the saviour' and next coach." — Dan Gorringe

Background

The Big Freeze is an annual charity event raising funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research. It was inspired by former AFL player Neale Daniher, who lives with MND. Participants slide into an ice bath dressed in costumes to honor his legacy and support the fight against the disease.