Collingwood and Melbourne need a response. It's not quite on the scale of what Neale Daniher did over the last 13 astonishing years of his life, but a response nonetheless.
The Magpies and Demons have hit significant mid-season turbulence ahead of the King's Birthday AFL blockbuster on Monday at the MCG.
Daniher's death a fortnight ago dramatically raises the importance of the occasion. This will be the 12th Big Freeze pre-game event, which raises awareness for the FightMND charity.
Established after Daniher's devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis in 2013, FightMND has helped raise more than $150 million to fight the incurable and fatal illness that he called The Beast.
Outside the grand final, this will be the biggest AFL game this season - an honour traditionally reserved for the MCG Anzac Day clash.
