Australian Winter Olympian Cooper Woods is set to be one of the most prominent figures participating in this year’s Big Freeze at the ’G event, where celebrities will slide down a massive ice slide on King’s Birthday Monday. The event is part of the annual game between Melbourne and Collingwood, which carries special significance this year following the passing of Neale Daniher, the founder of the FightMND campaign.
Neale Daniher, who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease 12 years ago, played a pivotal role in raising millions of dollars for research into the condition. His legacy continues through the FightMND charity, which aims to find a cure for the debilitating illness. Woods, who won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in the men’s moguls, expressed his admiration for Daniher’s courage and resilience.
“This is an incredible thing to be a part of,” Woods said in an interview with Nine’s Today. “Neale Daniher, it’s crazy how he viewed life. The cards he got dealt—no one wants to be dealt that. The bravery of turning such a bad thing into a good thing and leaving such a massive legacy behind. To be a slider is absolutely insane. I’m excited to be down there. I know the water is going to be freezing.”
Woods is joining a lineup of notable celebrities for this year’s event, including former AFL stars Dale Thomas and Nathan Jones, netball champion Jo Weston, Governor General of Australia Sam Mostyn, comedian Andy Lee, TV personality Sam Mac, and podcaster Daniel Gorringe.
What is the Big Freeze at the ’G about?
The Big Freeze at the ’G is an annual event held on King’s Birthday Monday in Victoria, where the Melbourne and Collingwood teams face off. The game is not just a sporting event but also a fundraiser for the FightMND charity, which supports research into motor neuron disease. As part of the festivities, a dozen celebrities are pushed down a large slide into a pool of ice water, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging donations.
When is the Big Freeze at the ’G 2026 game?
The match will take place on June 8, which is King’s Birthday Monday in Victoria. This year’s game will start at 3:15pm AEST and will be televised on Channel Seven and Fox Footy. The slide itself will begin at 2pm AEST, offering fans an exciting pre-game spectacle.
Who is going down the slide this year for Big Freeze 12?
Confirmed participants for this year’s slide include comedian Andy Lee, TV personality Sam Mac, former Melbourne star Nathan Jones, former Collingwood star Dale Thomas, Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn, netball star Jo Weston, podcast host Dan Gorringe, and Winter Olympian Cooper Woods. More names may be added in the coming weeks.
Are tickets still available for this year’s Big Freeze 12?
Yes, tickets are still available for the event. Fans can purchase them through the AFL website or by holding specific Collingwood or Melbourne memberships. The event promises to be a memorable experience for both attendees and viewers watching from home.
Where can I buy a Big Freeze beanie?
A limited number of Big Freeze beanies are available for purchase. They can be bought directly from the Big Freeze website, or from local Bunnings or Coles stores. These beanies are a popular item among fans and serve as a symbol of support for the FightMND cause.
