Five Local Figures to Take Icy Plunge for MND Fundraiser at Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Crows have announced five prominent local figures who will be dunked in icy cold water on Adelaide Oval’s iconic hill during their Round 13 clash against Geelong on Thursday night.

The SA Freeze event marks the third year the club has hosted the fundraising initiative for motor neurone disease awareness.

Radio host Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald, Australian Diamonds netballer Matilda Garrett, 7News Adelaide presenter Mark ‘Soda’ Soderstrom, cricket broadcaster Bharat Sundaresan, and SA Health Minister Blair Boyer will take the plunge as part of the continuing tribute to late AFL figure Neale Daniher.

Personal Connection Drives Participation

For Adelaide Thunderbirds star Matilda Garrett, the cause hits close to home. The Australian Diamonds squad member revealed her family connection to the disease that has shaped her commitment to the event.

“I have had family members who have passed away from MND which was awful so I think it’s an amazing cause and I’m so grateful that I get to be part of it on Thursday night.”

Garrett previously met Neale Daniher during her time with Collingwood’s Australian Netball League team, describing the former AFL footballer and Australian of the Year as “very impressive” before his passing after a battle with MND.

Cross-Platform Celebrity Appeal

The diverse lineup of participants represents different sectors of South Australian public life. Former AFL player turned media personality Fitzgerald brings sports entertainment credibility, while Soderstrom’s television presence and Sundaresan’s cricket broadcasting expertise extend the event’s reach across different sporting audiences.

The inclusion of Health Minister Boyer adds government support to the initiative, highlighting the broader community commitment to MND research and awareness. This cross-sector approach maximizes the event’s visibility and potential fundraising impact.

Building on Established Tradition

Thursday night’s event continues the legacy established by Neale Daniher’s advocacy work and represents the Crows’ ongoing commitment to the cause.

The timing during a prime-time Thursday night match against Geelong ensures maximum crowd exposure for the ice dunking spectacle, combining entertainment value with charitable purpose on Adelaide Oval’s famous hill.

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