Gold medallist among list of celebrities named for Big Freeze slide
Australian Winter Olympian Cooper Woods headlines this year’s celebrities heading down the slide on King’s Birthday Monday, as part of the Big Freeze at the ’G game.
This year’s game between Melbourne and Collingwood takes on special meaning, with Neale Daniher, the man that started the FightMND campaign, passing away in May.
Olympian Cooper Woods is ready to tackle the Big Freeze slide. Nine
Daniher helped raise millions of dollars to find a cure for motor neuron disease in the 12 years since he was diagnosed.
Woods, who won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in the men’s moguls, said he is honoured to be playing a small part in the cause.
“This is an incredible thing to be a part of,” Woods told Nine’s Today.
“Neale Daniher, it’s crazy his perspective on life. The cards he got dealt. The cards no one wants to be dealt.
“The bravery of turning such a bad thing into a good thing and he’s 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 joins 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 as this year’s sliders.
Gold medalist Cooper Woods of Australia celebrates on the podium. Getty
What is the Big Freeze at the ’G about?
The Big Freeze game is played between Collingwood and Melbourne on the King’s Birthday every year and it is to raise money for Neale Daniher’s FightMND charity.
The charity is hoping to find a cure for motor neuron disease.
Every year, a dozen celebrities are pushed down a large slide into a pool of ice water as part of the FreezeMND festivities.
When is the Big Freeze at the ’G 2026 game?
The match takes place on King’s Birthday Monday in Victoria, which is June 8. Collingwood and Melbourne have played on the public holiday for many years.
The game will get underway at 3:15pm AEST.
Who is going down the slide this year for Big Freeze 12?
So far, the confirmed sliders are 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, Winter Olympian Cooper Woods and popular commentator/podcaster Mark Howard.
It’s unclear at this stage whether more sliders will be announced.
Are tickets still available for this year’s Big Freeze 12?
Yes, you can purchase tickets for the game via the AFL website, or you can attend if you hold specific Collingwood or Melbourne memberships.
What time does the Big Freeze slide itself start?
This year’s slide event will begin at 2pm AEST and will be televised on Channel Seven and Fox Footy.
Where can I buy a Big Freeze beanie?
You can buy a beanie from the Big Freeze website or from your local Bunnings or Coles shop or online.
