The AFL’s annual FightMND fundraiser event is underway at the MCG. Former NRL star Jai Arrow is the special guest for Big Freeze 12.
Jai Arrow threw the coin toss at the AFL’s Big Freeze 12 match between Collingwood and Melbourne.
The former NRL star was welcomed to the MCG as special guest for the FightMND fundraiser event.
Arrow announced he had been diagnosed with MND last month, and he flew back to Australia from a wellness centre in Spain for the Big Freeze.
Fans from across the AFL and NRL were delighted to see the former South Sydney Rabbitohs star throw the coin toss.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 08: Jai Arrow tosses the coin as Max Gawn of the Demons and Nick Daicos of the Magpies look on during the 2026 AFL Round 13 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 8, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“Lovely touch having Jai Arrow tossing the coin. Lovely seeing the codes come together,” wrote one fan.
“Fantastic from the AFL to have Jai Arrow toss the coin at the big freeze game today,” added another.
A third wrote: “I get a feeling Jai Arrow will continue Neale’s fight. I wonder if they got a chance to talk before Neale passed away.”
A host of Aussie celebrities were present at the MCG to take to the slide for an icy plunge before the start of the match – all to raise money for FightMND as part of the AFL’s Big Freeze event.
The celebs dressed up for the occasion, and from Bluey to Kylie Minogue there was no shortage of inspiration.
The MCG was packed to the rafters to watch the celebrities hit the slide, with Andy Lee and Sam Mac among the first to brave the icy waters below.
Governor-General of Australia Sam Moyston AC also had a dunk, along with Jo Weston, Amy Shark, Dan Gorringe and ex-Olympian Cooper Woods.
Former Collingwood star Dale Thomas featured too as well as Nathan Jones, who played for Melbourne – the two sides set to face off at the ‘G.
However they were all trumped by Fox Sports legend Mark Howard, who was awarded the golden silder by the panel for his impersonation of Hawthorn icon Jason Dunstall.
This is the 12th edition of AFL’s Big Freeze Round, which to date has raised more than $50 million.
Andy Lee goes down the slide for FightMND Big Freeze 12. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Today’s event is even more poignant given the passing of AFL great Neale Daniher following his battler with motor neurone disease.
His son Luke joined the Collingwood team for their walkout onto the field, while Fox Sports aired a montage paying tribute to the man who set up the Big Freeze.
That would have offered some comfort to Luke and his two sons, who have enjoyed seeing the best side of their grandfather.
“They always light up when they see Pops, it brings back really good memories,” Luke said.
“To see Pops in action back in football days, in coaching days and in his fight with the beast days… they love seeing Pops.
“It’s been a very tough few weeks.
“As Dad always said, you know, we’ve got to play on.
“And it’s really important that we rid this world of this hideous disease.”
