For everybody fighting ‘the beast’

BACCHUS Marsh Football Netball Club’s annual Big Freeze in the Marsh made a huge splash at Maddingley Park – and for FightMND – last weekend during their contest with Lake Wendouree Lakers.

Co-organised by Cobras president Ian McClure and Anne Phyland, the event following the reserves footy clash saw 12 sponsored locals slide into a pool of thickly-iced water for the Melbourne-based motor neurone disease charity aiming to find effective treatments and a cure for the disease known as ‘the beast’.

By Wednesday 10 June, the 2026 initiative had raised more-than $70,200.

Phyland braved the chill this year to take the plunge in a Kath & Kim-themed costume alongside her daughter, television presenter and Cobras netballer Liv Phyland.

“This is obviously a tribute to Neale [Daniher, the late founder of FightMND], but he would also want it to be a tribute to, and this is for, everybody who has fought this beast, has lost their battle, or is fighting this beast,” Anne Phyland said to the crowd before sliding.

“To come out like you have today and support this is phenomenal, we’re really, really grateful.”

She introduced local teenagers Ingrid and Max to the crowd who led the countdown to the first slider. The siblings lost their dad Shane to MND two years ago.

After all the sliders had had their moment in the ice, McClure got the crowd to take off their Big Freeze beanies and to get involved in a singalong of The Killers’ Mr Brightside.

The song was one of Daniher’s favourites.

“To our community, since we started this we’ve just tipped over half a million dollars that we’ve donated to MND research,” McClure said.

“For a little community and small football club, we punch above our weight.

“If you could see what I can see up here – all the people in the blue hats – it’s an incredible day.”

Turn the page to view the photo gallery.