FOOTBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By LIAM DURKIN
MOE Football-Netball Club will host its annual Fight MND round this Saturday (June 7).
The Lions have partnered with the campaign in recent years, showing their support for the Neale Daniher-led initiative.
Moe footballer Ben Daniher (Neale’s son) has been a fixture in the Lion’s senior team for the last four years.
Patrons are being encouraged to attend Ted Summerton Reserve for the local instalment of Big Freeze, which will see local identities go under the ice water for the worthy cause from 2pm.
A bumper crowd is expected, with Moe and Warragul football-netball clubs uniting for the effort.
Warragul FNC president, Leigh Sheehan has connections to the Lions, being a past player.
Video messages have also been received from prominent sporting identities encouraging people to get along and give generously.
Among them is Billy Brownless, Andrew Gaze, Jonathan Brown and Peter Daicos.
“It’s a great cause, Neale has been a huge inspiration to us all,” Daicos said alongside former Moe FNC president Manny Gelagotis.
“Make sure you get out there as we continue to fight MND.”
Moe local and Hawthorn and Richmond premiership player, Barry Rowlings also had a message, as did Warragul’s own AFL journalist, Craig Hutchison.
“I had the pleasure of playing with my two brothers, Doc and China at this great club,” Rowlings said.
“Next (this) week is a very important week when Moe hosts Warragul. Let’s all get behind Neale Daniher and his family to raise money to fight this beast.”
“I know my old club, Warragul will be very proud to be there at Ted Summerton Reserve to be part of this,” Hutchison added.
“We unite off the field and we compete well on the field, but that all pales into insignificance compared to the chance to raise awareness and fundraising for this disease.”
The familiar Big Freeze beanies will be available to purchase from the club.
Nationally, Big Freeze is now into its 11th year.
Held annually on the King’s Birthday, the ‘Freeze on MND’ attracts huge crowds to the MCG for the Melbourne/Collingwood clash.
Neale Daniher AO was named Australian of the Year at this year’s awards for his work as co-founder of FightMND.
“Big Freeze 11 is a testament to the strength, compassion and determination of the Australian community,” he said.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our partners, friends and the Australian community who have rallied behind this cause.
“Big Freeze 11 is more than an event. It’s our signal to the world that the fight to find a cure is on. To everyone who’s been part of this story, by donating, spreading awareness, or simply donning your Beanie, thank you for standing with us. Together we’ll beat the Beast.”
Neale Daniher has been on hand to see a number of Moe games in the past.
