Written by Rhea Alison, Sports Reporter, covering international sports since 2020​

The Adelaide Oval MND Fundraiser will take centre stage on Thursday night when five well-known South Australian personalities are plunged into icy water during Adelaide's Round 13 AFL clash against Geelong. The SA Freeze event, held at Adelaide Oval, aims to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND) while continuing the legacy of the late Neale Daniher. With sports stars, media figures and government representatives involved, the fundraiser remains one of the club's most visible community initiatives.

Five High-Profile South Australians Join the Cause

Adelaide Crows confirmed that radio personality 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 participate in this year's icy plunge.

The event will take place on Adelaide Oval's famous hill during Thursday night's match against Geelong, giving thousands of fans the opportunity to witness the fundraiser firsthand.

Garrett Shares Personal Family Connection

For Matilda Garrett, the event carries personal meaning due to her family's experience with the disease.

“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 program and spoke warmly about the impact he made on those around him.

The netball star's involvement adds another layer of significance to an event designed not only to raise money but also to keep public attention on a disease that affects many Australian families.

Community Support Across Sport and Media

The diverse group taking part reflects support from multiple sectors of South Australian life. Fitzgerald's AFL background, Soderstrom's television profile and Sundaresan's cricket broadcasting presence help bring wider attention to the fundraiser.

Meanwhile, Boyer's participation highlights support from government leaders, demonstrating a united effort to increase awareness and encourage donations for MND research.

Fans attending the match are expected to respond strongly, with the fundraiser becoming a familiar and anticipated part of Adelaide's annual community calendar.

Continuing Neale Daniher's Legacy

The SA Freeze initiative enters its third year at Adelaide Oval and continues to honour the work of Neale Daniher, whose fight against MND inspired fundraising campaigns across Australia.

With a prime-time AFL fixture providing a large audience, organisers hope this year's event will generate further support for research and awareness programs connected to the disease.

For official information about MND research and support services, visit the FightMND website: https://fightmnd.org.au

Interested in more Australian sports business and community stories? Read our coverage of AFL community initiatives here: https://www.afl.com.au/news