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AAP
AAP
Anna Harrington

Celebrities hit icy water for Daniher's Big Freeze

Former AFL player and coach Neale Daniher (centre) was the star of the show at the Big Freeze. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Mack Horton danced like Peter Garrett and Erin Phillips rocked like P!nk - but as always, Neale Daniher was the star of the Big Freeze.

Nine celebrities hit the icy water at the MCG ahead of the 10th annual Big Freeze match between Collingwood and Melbourne, raising money for FightMND to fund research into a cure for motor neurone disease.

The Big Freeze was pioneered by former Melbourne coach Daniher, who has become a public face of the disease in Australia since he was diagnosed in 2013.

Erin Phillips.
Erin Phillips did her best impersonation of P!nk before hitting the slide for Big Freeze 10. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Earlier on Monday, Daniher was greeted by a packed crowd at Federation Square as part of the annual Walk to the 'G ahead of the game.

He was on hand as daughter Bec Daniher pushed the celebrities down a slide into a pool of icy water.

There were high expectations on former Richmond star Jack Riewoldt, given his cousin Nick pulled off arguably the best ever costume when he dressed as Freddie Mercury in 2019.

Riewoldt dressed as Brandon Flowers, frontman of band The Killers, who he famously sang their hit Mr Brightside with on stage after the Tigers' premiership in 2017.

Phillips' spot-on P!nk look, down to short, pink hair, was a highlight.

(L-R) Joel Selwood, Bec Daniher and Neale Daniher.
Bec and Neale Daniher were on hand to make sure Joel Selwood hit the slide in fine style. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Retired swimmer Horton got creative by dressing as Garrett, then emerging from the icy water doing the Midnight Oil frontman's signature dance moves.

Tennis great Pat Rafter also impressed as AD/DC frontman Brian Johnson.

Former Australian cricket captain Meg Lanning dramatically flipped into the water as Tina Turner, while Olympic gold medal-winning hurdler Sally Pearson was Madonna.

Meg Lanning.
Meg Lanning was simply the best at paying tribute to Tina Turner at the Big Freeze. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Retired West Coast star Nic Naitanui dressed as Bob Marley, then added a touch of Cool Runnings - the movie about the Jamaican bobsled team

"I'm a fish out of water," he quipped, before promptly being dunked into the icy bath.

"What 'Danners' has done is remarkable. He is an inspiration to all and an ultimate trooper. 

"I'm so happy he invited me down."

Retired Geelong champion Joel Selwood imitated Robbie Williams' pink-suited grand final half-time show look, while sports commentator James Brayshaw dressed as rocker Axl Rose.

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