Celebrities hit icy water for Daniher's 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.

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.

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.

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.

Australian Associated Press