Bairnsdale FNC takes the plunge to fight MND

With the 12th edition of the Big Freeze set to take place on Monday, the footballing world has donned their blue beanies in support of the late Neale Daniher and Fight MND.

Since beginning in 2014, following Daniher's initial diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease, the former Melbourne coach and Essendon player has helped raise over $100 million for the Fight MND charity, with the Big Freeze becoming synonymous with the King's Birthday Clash.

As a result of the 2025 Australian of the Year's battle with MND, which saw him pass away last week, the football world has gotten behind the cause with several local clubs doing their own Big Freeze to help donate to the cause.

One of those clubs has been the Bairnsdale Football Netball Club.

This year, the Redlegs have managed to raise over $150,000, making it the biggest fundraiser for the event outside of the King's Birthday Clash between Melbourne and Collingwood and the fourth year in a row that the club has raised more than $100,000.

When asked what has inspired the generosity of the community towards the cause, its President, Michael Mann, admitted that the story of Neale's battle has inspired the local area to give as best they can.

“I think like everyone else, it's Neale and Bec,” Mann told SEN’s Captain’s Run with Sam Edmund.

“The way they presented themselves and the way they took on the challenge.

“We just felt like we wanted to be involved. It's part of a footy environment now.

“We thought we'd try and mimic it, have a bit of fun with it and probably learn.

“We, like everyone else in the community, just didn't know much about it until Neale started spreading the word.”

Mann also noted that the cause to help fight 'the beast' has also helped bring the community together behind a common cause.

"I think it says a lot about country towns everywhere," he added.

"People are generous (and) it's tough times at the moment.

"We all understand that, but they still keep giving because it's a great cause.

"It's actually a great opportunity to bring the community together, and it's good from a club point of view, our young players get to see that being part of a club is bigger than yourself."

The first slider is set to head down at Bairnsdale City Oval on Saturday, June 6, from 1:40pm, which is then followed by the Redlegs playing Sale at 2:35pm.

To donate to the cause, click here.

Photo credit: Bairnsdale Football Netball Club's Facebook Page