Live: Fans gather at MCG for Big Freeze ahead of Collingwood-Melbourne clash

Thousands of fans partake in a walk to the MCG for the Big Freeze slide in honour of Neale Daniher before Collingwood takes on Melbourne.

Collingwood great Dale Thomas is among 10 sliders who will take the plunge from 2pm AEST.

Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.

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Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:44pm

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:44pm

Have a look at all the fans streaming into the MCG!

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:40pm

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:40pm

What is the most iconic Big Freeze moment?

By Chris De Silva

The Big Freeze has been preceding the Collingwood-Melbourne clash since 2015, and there have been plenty of big moments.

Which one is your favourite moment?

The ones that come to mind immediately for me are Nick Riewoldt dressed as Freddie Mercury and Chris Fagan ripping his hammy post-slide.

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:35pm

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:35pm

Who are this year's Big Freeze sliders?

By Chris De Silva

We've got another 10 sliders taking the plunge this year, headlined by 2010 Collingwood premiership winner Dale Thomas.

Here's a look at the full list of sliders who will go down this year.

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:32pm

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:32pm

What time is the Big Freeze?

By Chris De Silva

The Big Freeze will take place from 2pm AEST this afternoon at the MCG.

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:30pm

Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 1:30pm

Welcome!

By Chris De Silva

Good afternoon and welcome to ABC Sport's live AFL coverage!

We're here today for the annual King's Birthday clash between Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG, a match that has become one of the showpiece fixtures of the home and away season.

The match is preceded by the Big Freeze for MND which will be extra emotional this year as it is the first without the great Neale Daniher in presence.

We'll have all the updates from the Big Freeze as well as the pre-match news before live action gets underway, so strap yourselves in and enjoy the show!

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