Latest news with #TheBigFreeze
West Australian
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Channel 7 icon Rick Ardon leads charge for WA Freeze at West Coast Eagles, Carlton clash
Channel 7 icon Rick Ardon has led the charge at the WA Freeze in honour of AFL champion Neale Daniher, taking the icy plunge at half time in the clash between West Coast and Carlton. Optus Stadium was filled with light blue beanies on Sunday as WA footy fans showed support for the fight against MND, and the headwear even came in handy as the drizzle settled in. Daniher worked at the Eagles when his devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis was revealed, and the club has again rallied behind his family, raising funds to fight the beast. Actor and comedian Peter Rowsthorn was the first to enter the icy water, in nothing but his board shorts, a week after The Big Freeze at the MCG during the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. 7NEWS anchor Ardon was joined by Mix 94.5's Kymba Cahill during the long break and rocked a Batman suit. The icy water held no fears as a handball from Eagles favourite Nic Naitanui plunged the veteran newsman into the dunk tank, Ardon explaining it was little more than a cold morning surf. 'I looked forward to it, and we've kicked some ice,' Ardon exclaimed. 'I surf all winter, so it wasn't bad at all. We all know through Telethon, for example, how much of a difference research makes to people's lives. 'Hopefully, with a lot more money raised, we can kick this cool disease.' He also revealed his wife and favourite television show were the inspiration behind his costume. 'That was my wife; she thought Batman would be good,' he said. 'I'm not Superman by any stretch of the imagination, so I couldn't do that, but I love Seinfeld, so the clue I gave out on radio this week is good cape weather, which is what they say on Seinfeld.' Cahill went down as Simpson's character, Marge Simpson, stunned by the ice as West Coast legend Ben Cousins sent her plunging. Before the match, the Eagles ran through a banner inscribed with 'You're inspiring Danners, facing hardship with ease. Dig deep and donate to the WA freeze'.
Perth Now
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Channel 7 icon leads charge at WA Freeze for MND
Channel 7 icon Rick Ardon has led the charge at the WA Freeze in honour of AFL champion Neale Daniher, taking the icy plunge at half time in the clash between West Coast and Carlton. Optus Stadium was filled with light blue beanies on Sunday as WA footy fans showed support for the fight against MND, and the headwear even came in handy as the drizzle settled in. Daniher worked at the Eagles when his devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis was revealed, and the club has again rallied behind his family, raising funds to fight the beast. Actor and comedian Peter Rowsthorn was the first to enter the icy water, in nothing but his board shorts, a week after The Big Freeze at the MCG during the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. 7NEWS anchor Ardon was joined by Mix 94.5's Kymba Cahill during the long break and rocked a Batman suit. The icy water held no fears as a handball from Eagles favourite Nic Naitanui plunged the veteran newsman into the dunk tank, Ardon explaining it was little more than a cold morning surf. Peter Rowsthorn takes part in WA Freeze at quarter time. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian 'I looked forward to it, and we've kicked some ice,' Ardon exclaimed. 'I surf all winter, so it wasn't bad at all. We all know through Telethon, for example, how much of a difference research makes to people's lives. 'Hopefully, with a lot more money raised, we can kick this cool disease.' He also revealed his wife and favourite television show were the inspiration behind his costume. 'That was my wife; she thought Batman would be good,' he said. 'I'm not Superman by any stretch of the imagination, so I couldn't do that, but I love Seinfeld, so the clue I gave out on radio this week is good cape weather, which is what they say on Seinfeld.' Rick Ardon takes part in WA Freeze at half time. Credit: Ian Munro / The West Australian Cahill went down as Simpson's character, Marge Simpson, stunned by the ice as West Coast legend Ben Cousins sent her plunging. Before the match, the Eagles ran through a banner inscribed with 'You're inspiring Danners, facing hardship with ease. Dig deep and donate to the WA freeze'.
The Advertiser
03-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Demons star tracking well for King's Birthday rematch
Christian Petracca will return to the scene of his AFL nightmare in a happy mood, in form - and kicking straight for goal. The annual King's Birthday clash on Monday against Collingwood will mark a year almost to the day since Magpies captain Darcy Moore cannoned into Petracca at a marking contest. Petracca went off the MCG in agony. He returned to the game briefly, but soon had to go to hospital with serious internal injuries. The Demons star spent time in intensive care with a lacerated spleen, punctured lung and fractured ribs. The King's Birthday clash proved Petracca's last game of the season and in the tumultuous fallout from his injury crisis, there was strong speculation he might leave the club. Ultimately, Petracca stayed and has recovered brilliantly, playing 12 games and reaching his 200th milestone. Teammate Jake Melksham was asked on Tuesday whether Petracca might need a hug ahead of Monday's big match. "Thanks for the reminder - I forgot about that. Maybe I will go give him a cuddle when I see him at the club," Melksham said with a grin. "He's in a good space, he's playing well, he's enjoying himself, he's smiling. "He's certainly the energetic, hyped-up person he's always been around the club. "We're looking forward to him coming out and continuing his form." Petracca was a rarity among Demons players on Sunday, kicking 2.1 in their upset loss to St Kilda. Melbourne had seven more scoring shots than the Saints in Alice Springs, but sprayed 7.21. Again, Melksham's tongue was in his cheek when asked if goalkicking would be a priority ahead of Monday's game. "We're not going to do anything but goalkicking - every one of us," the Demons forward said. "All 45 players are just going to have a thousand shots, we're not going to do any ball movement, defence - even Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) is going to do some goalkicking as well." More seriously, Melksham noted their goalkicking coach, Mark Williams, is "the most passionate man in the world" and will make sure they work on their inaccuracy ahead of playing Collingwood. "We're certainly not moping around or too down about things," Melksham added. "Had we kicked straighter, then it's a different story. But a lot of the parts of our game are in a good place at the moment." Melksham and Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom joined Bec Daniher at Melbourne Aquarium on Tuesday morning as a promotion for The Big Freeze. A key feature of the King's Birthday blockbuster, The Big Freeze raises money for research into finding a cure for MND. Neale Daniher, Bec's father, has the disease and now cannot speak. He will meet with the Melbourne and Collingwood players and address them through a machine that uses eye-gaze technology. For all the fun around The Big Freeze and visiting the aquarium, Melksham said hearing Daniher speak is a great privilege. "Neale always has some words of wisdom for us and you've never seen 100 people so captivated and glued to one person," Melksham said. "We're really proud to be a part of this week." Christian Petracca will return to the scene of his AFL nightmare in a happy mood, in form - and kicking straight for goal. The annual King's Birthday clash on Monday against Collingwood will mark a year almost to the day since Magpies captain Darcy Moore cannoned into Petracca at a marking contest. Petracca went off the MCG in agony. He returned to the game briefly, but soon had to go to hospital with serious internal injuries. The Demons star spent time in intensive care with a lacerated spleen, punctured lung and fractured ribs. The King's Birthday clash proved Petracca's last game of the season and in the tumultuous fallout from his injury crisis, there was strong speculation he might leave the club. Ultimately, Petracca stayed and has recovered brilliantly, playing 12 games and reaching his 200th milestone. Teammate Jake Melksham was asked on Tuesday whether Petracca might need a hug ahead of Monday's big match. "Thanks for the reminder - I forgot about that. Maybe I will go give him a cuddle when I see him at the club," Melksham said with a grin. "He's in a good space, he's playing well, he's enjoying himself, he's smiling. "He's certainly the energetic, hyped-up person he's always been around the club. "We're looking forward to him coming out and continuing his form." Petracca was a rarity among Demons players on Sunday, kicking 2.1 in their upset loss to St Kilda. Melbourne had seven more scoring shots than the Saints in Alice Springs, but sprayed 7.21. Again, Melksham's tongue was in his cheek when asked if goalkicking would be a priority ahead of Monday's game. "We're not going to do anything but goalkicking - every one of us," the Demons forward said. "All 45 players are just going to have a thousand shots, we're not going to do any ball movement, defence - even Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) is going to do some goalkicking as well." More seriously, Melksham noted their goalkicking coach, Mark Williams, is "the most passionate man in the world" and will make sure they work on their inaccuracy ahead of playing Collingwood. "We're certainly not moping around or too down about things," Melksham added. "Had we kicked straighter, then it's a different story. But a lot of the parts of our game are in a good place at the moment." Melksham and Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom joined Bec Daniher at Melbourne Aquarium on Tuesday morning as a promotion for The Big Freeze. A key feature of the King's Birthday blockbuster, The Big Freeze raises money for research into finding a cure for MND. Neale Daniher, Bec's father, has the disease and now cannot speak. He will meet with the Melbourne and Collingwood players and address them through a machine that uses eye-gaze technology. For all the fun around The Big Freeze and visiting the aquarium, Melksham said hearing Daniher speak is a great privilege. "Neale always has some words of wisdom for us and you've never seen 100 people so captivated and glued to one person," Melksham said. "We're really proud to be a part of this week." Christian Petracca will return to the scene of his AFL nightmare in a happy mood, in form - and kicking straight for goal. The annual King's Birthday clash on Monday against Collingwood will mark a year almost to the day since Magpies captain Darcy Moore cannoned into Petracca at a marking contest. Petracca went off the MCG in agony. He returned to the game briefly, but soon had to go to hospital with serious internal injuries. The Demons star spent time in intensive care with a lacerated spleen, punctured lung and fractured ribs. The King's Birthday clash proved Petracca's last game of the season and in the tumultuous fallout from his injury crisis, there was strong speculation he might leave the club. Ultimately, Petracca stayed and has recovered brilliantly, playing 12 games and reaching his 200th milestone. Teammate Jake Melksham was asked on Tuesday whether Petracca might need a hug ahead of Monday's big match. "Thanks for the reminder - I forgot about that. Maybe I will go give him a cuddle when I see him at the club," Melksham said with a grin. "He's in a good space, he's playing well, he's enjoying himself, he's smiling. "He's certainly the energetic, hyped-up person he's always been around the club. "We're looking forward to him coming out and continuing his form." Petracca was a rarity among Demons players on Sunday, kicking 2.1 in their upset loss to St Kilda. Melbourne had seven more scoring shots than the Saints in Alice Springs, but sprayed 7.21. Again, Melksham's tongue was in his cheek when asked if goalkicking would be a priority ahead of Monday's game. "We're not going to do anything but goalkicking - every one of us," the Demons forward said. "All 45 players are just going to have a thousand shots, we're not going to do any ball movement, defence - even Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) is going to do some goalkicking as well." More seriously, Melksham noted their goalkicking coach, Mark Williams, is "the most passionate man in the world" and will make sure they work on their inaccuracy ahead of playing Collingwood. "We're certainly not moping around or too down about things," Melksham added. "Had we kicked straighter, then it's a different story. But a lot of the parts of our game are in a good place at the moment." Melksham and Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom joined Bec Daniher at Melbourne Aquarium on Tuesday morning as a promotion for The Big Freeze. A key feature of the King's Birthday blockbuster, The Big Freeze raises money for research into finding a cure for MND. Neale Daniher, Bec's father, has the disease and now cannot speak. He will meet with the Melbourne and Collingwood players and address them through a machine that uses eye-gaze technology. For all the fun around The Big Freeze and visiting the aquarium, Melksham said hearing Daniher speak is a great privilege. "Neale always has some words of wisdom for us and you've never seen 100 people so captivated and glued to one person," Melksham said. "We're really proud to be a part of this week."
West Australian
03-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Demons star tracking well for King's Birthday rematch
Christian Petracca will return to the scene of his AFL nightmare in a happy mood, in form - and kicking straight for goal. The annual King's Birthday clash on Monday against Collingwood will mark a year almost to the day since Magpies captain Darcy Moore cannoned into Petracca at a marking contest. Petracca went off the MCG in agony. He returned to the game briefly, but soon had to go to hospital with serious internal injuries. The Demons star spent time in intensive care with a lacerated spleen, punctured lung and fractured ribs. The King's Birthday clash proved Petracca's last game of the season and in the tumultuous fallout from his injury crisis, there was strong speculation he might leave the club. Ultimately, Petracca stayed and has recovered brilliantly, playing 12 games and reaching his 200th milestone. Teammate Jake Melksham was asked on Tuesday whether Petracca might need a hug ahead of Monday's big match. "Thanks for the reminder - I forgot about that. Maybe I will go give him a cuddle when I see him at the club," Melksham said with a grin. "He's in a good space, he's playing well, he's enjoying himself, he's smiling. "He's certainly the energetic, hyped-up person he's always been around the club. "We're looking forward to him coming out and continuing his form." Petracca was a rarity among Demons players on Sunday, kicking 2.1 in their upset loss to St Kilda. Melbourne had seven more scoring shots than the Saints in Alice Springs, but sprayed 7.21. Again, Melksham's tongue was in his cheek when asked if goalkicking would be a priority ahead of Monday's game. "We're not going to do anything but goalkicking - every one of us," the Demons forward said. "All 45 players are just going to have a thousand shots, we're not going to do any ball movement, defence - even Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) is going to do some goalkicking as well." More seriously, Melksham noted their goalkicking coach, Mark Williams, is "the most passionate man in the world" and will make sure they work on their inaccuracy ahead of playing Collingwood. "We're certainly not moping around or too down about things," Melksham added. "Had we kicked straighter, then it's a different story. But a lot of the parts of our game are in a good place at the moment." Melksham and Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom joined Bec Daniher at Melbourne Aquarium on Tuesday morning as a promotion for The Big Freeze. A key feature of the King's Birthday blockbuster, The Big Freeze raises money for research into finding a cure for MND. Neale Daniher, Bec's father, has the disease and now cannot speak. He will meet with the Melbourne and Collingwood players and address them through a machine that uses eye-gaze technology. For all the fun around The Big Freeze and visiting the aquarium, Melksham said hearing Daniher speak is a great privilege. "Neale always has some words of wisdom for us and you've never seen 100 people so captivated and glued to one person," Melksham said. "We're really proud to be a part of this week."
Perth Now
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Demons star tracking well for King's Birthday rematch
Christian Petracca will return to the scene of his AFL nightmare in a happy mood, in form - and kicking straight for goal. The annual King's Birthday clash on Monday against Collingwood will mark a year almost to the day since Magpies captain Darcy Moore cannoned into Petracca at a marking contest. Petracca went off the MCG in agony. He returned to the game briefly, but soon had to go to hospital with serious internal injuries. The Demons star spent time in intensive care with a lacerated spleen, punctured lung and fractured ribs. The King's Birthday clash proved Petracca's last game of the season and in the tumultuous fallout from his injury crisis, there was strong speculation he might leave the club. Ultimately, Petracca stayed and has recovered brilliantly, playing 12 games and reaching his 200th milestone. Teammate Jake Melksham was asked on Tuesday whether Petracca might need a hug ahead of Monday's big match. "Thanks for the reminder - I forgot about that. Maybe I will go give him a cuddle when I see him at the club," Melksham said with a grin. "He's in a good space, he's playing well, he's enjoying himself, he's smiling. "He's certainly the energetic, hyped-up person he's always been around the club. "We're looking forward to him coming out and continuing his form." Petracca was a rarity among Demons players on Sunday, kicking 2.1 in their upset loss to St Kilda. Melbourne had seven more scoring shots than the Saints in Alice Springs, but sprayed 7.21. Again, Melksham's tongue was in his cheek when asked if goalkicking would be a priority ahead of Monday's game. "We're not going to do anything but goalkicking - every one of us," the Demons forward said. "All 45 players are just going to have a thousand shots, we're not going to do any ball movement, defence - even Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) is going to do some goalkicking as well." More seriously, Melksham noted their goalkicking coach, Mark Williams, is "the most passionate man in the world" and will make sure they work on their inaccuracy ahead of playing Collingwood. "We're certainly not moping around or too down about things," Melksham added. "Had we kicked straighter, then it's a different story. But a lot of the parts of our game are in a good place at the moment." Melksham and Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom joined Bec Daniher at Melbourne Aquarium on Tuesday morning as a promotion for The Big Freeze. A key feature of the King's Birthday blockbuster, The Big Freeze raises money for research into finding a cure for MND. Neale Daniher, Bec's father, has the disease and now cannot speak. He will meet with the Melbourne and Collingwood players and address them through a machine that uses eye-gaze technology. For all the fun around The Big Freeze and visiting the aquarium, Melksham said hearing Daniher speak is a great privilege. "Neale always has some words of wisdom for us and you've never seen 100 people so captivated and glued to one person," Melksham said. "We're really proud to be a part of this week."
