Lachy, the purple Wiggle, and former Lions Club Champion Mitch Robinson have been announced as the first two dunkees who’ll be part of the Big Freeze – Gabba style this Friday night when the Lions host Sydney for Round 14.
As nine celebrities took on the Big Freeze 9 at the MCG on Monday, in Brisbane there’s no slide involved, instead celebrities will be dunked throughout the game in an ice filled dunk tank.
Lachy Gillespie, who was born in Brisbane and is a proud Lions fan, was the first of a handful of stars who’ll ready, steady, wiggle and take the icy plunge on Friday night all in the name of Fight MND.
A dip that’s guaranteed to wake up everyone’s favourite snooze loving wiggle.
“I am so excited to be going all in with the Brisbane Lions and Fight MND to beat the beast,” Lachy said with his infectious enthusiasm.
“I will be taking the icy plunge this Friday night at the Big Freeze Gabba style, so grab a ticket, buy a beanie and send me your warm thoughts.”
Mitch Robinson, who played 147 games for the Lions before retiring last year, was part of the Big Freeze 6 event in 2020 as Joe Exotic.
“Yes I’m going all in for the Big Freeze at the Gabba when the mighty Lions take on the Swans at hopefully a packed out stadium,” he said.
Affectionally known as Robbo, the fan favourite has put out the call on social media for help with his costume.
The third dunkee to be announced was Ozzy Man Reviews.
The YouTube sensation, who boasts 5.62 million followers, will make the trip from West Australia to Queensland to take part in the challenge.
Olympic golden girl Leisel Jones OAM will be putting in a gold medal splash when she lines up on Friday night as the fourth dunkee.
An Australian Icon, Leisel is regarded as one of the world’s greatest ever female swimmers, winning seven World Championships titles, nine Olympic medals, 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals, 14 individual world records and 23 National titles.
"I've done a few ice baths before but this is the first one I've done in costume, so it's certainly a bit more terrifying. Fight MND is a cause close to my heart so hopefully we can get a big crowd there and raise some much needed funds," she said.
Dunk by name, will become dunk by nature. Queensland Firebird Vice Captain and older sister to Josh and Kyle Dunkley, Lara Dunkley, is the fifth confirmed dunkee.
Dunkley has been living in Queensland ever since she signed with the Firebirds back in 2020, and is excited to find an opportunity to crossover into her younger brother Josh's AFL world and contribute to the Fight MND cause.
Our sixth confirmed dunkee is AFLW royalty, our very own Premiership Captain, Emma Zielke.
A dream come true for Zilks to be part of a Big Freeze, she wants your help picking out a costume. Head on over to Brisbane Lions Instagram to put forward your recommendation!
The final three Big Freeze Gabba dunk spots have been filled with Rugby League greatness. Brisbane Bronco’s Corey Oates and captain Adam Reynolds; and Dolphin’s Sean O’Sullivan are confirmed to take the plunge this Friday night.
With 489 NRL games between them, Oates, Reynolds and O’Sullivan have followed the success of the Big Freeze from afar and are pumped to be included in the special event.
The Brisbane Lions continue to live by their mantra of going ALL IN, with the Club throwing its support behind and partnering with Fight MND – Australia’s leading MND Foundation.
To spread awareness of the charity and its incredible work, the Brisbane event compliments the iconic event today in Melbourne.
So far to date, FightMND has been able to invest $69.3m into vital research to find effective treatments and a cure for MND. These funds have given hope to people living with MND and those who might be diagnosed in the future.
Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said “We are so inspired by the work of Neale Daniher and everyone at FightMND for this incredible achievement, and the Brisbane Lions, together with our members and fans support, are hoping to play their part in urging all Australians to join the fight.
“How? By buying a ticket to our match and/or grabbing a beanie at the Lions Shop or in any Gabba merchandise outlet on Friday night, or of course from Coles, Bunnings or online at fightmnd.org.au.
“Good luck to all of the sliders taking part in Big Freeze 9 and to the dunkees involved in our game on Friday night, we are so thrilled to have you on board.”
The rest of the Big Freeze Gabba style dunkees will be announced in the coming days, and like the Big Freeze 9 sliders will be dressing up, with no costume limitations – the sky is the limit!
Buy your tickets here!
Big Freeze 9 beanies are available at Coles, Coles Express, Bunnings and online - or you can make a donation at fightmnd.org.au.
You can also play your part by supporting the cause on social media using the #allinforMND #BigFreeeze9 to help raise awareness.
