Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Max Gawn helped Melbourne honour Neale Daniher’s legacy with a stirring King’s Birthday win over Collingwood at the MCG, leading the Demons through a bruising contest despite a sore shoulder.

Melbourne’s victory carried extra meaning in the first Big Freeze match since Daniher’s death, with the blue beanies, packed crowd and FightMND support giving the day a powerful edge.

For more on Collingwood’s injury fallout, read Brayden Maynard Injury Adds To Collingwood Worries After Melbourne Loss.

Gawn Reflects On Daniher Legacy

Gawn, who became a FightMND ambassador more than a decade ago after Daniher asked him, said the day showed how strongly the campaign would continue.

"We get to play a pretty good game, particularly on King's Birthday for FightMND, even though last year I decided to 'torp' the ball across goal to lose the game," Gawn said. "The energy of the crowd is unrivalled.

"We've all thought over the last little bit, what's going to happen when Neale goes? What's going to happen to FightMND?

"This week has shown you - the power of the blue beanie today, the power of the sliders, 88,000 (crowd) ... the fundraising during the week.

"That's Neale's legacy. When all is said and done, more is said than done. It's time for us to walk the walk - to steal words off (Hawthorn's) Nick Watson."

Melbourne Play To Win

Gawn said he started the match with a sore shoulder and was tested late when Jack Buller outmarked him for a key goal.

The Melbourne captain still played through the pain and hopes to recover in time to face Essendon, another club with deep Daniher ties.

"I love playing footy, I love playing with this group, I love being at the MCG, and it's a bit of a Neale game again against Essendon, so I will be doing all I can to make sure it gets up.

"Three quarters of bumping into Dan McStay and Darcy Cameron got to me a little bit ... but I was able to bounce back."

Gawn praised Melbourne’s late intent, with Kade Chandler, Kysaiah Pickett and Harry Petty taking the game on under pressure. Official AFL updates are available through the AFL website.