A group of sliders braved the chilly conditions in Chapman Valley on Saturday night as they took an icy plunge for FightMND during the seventh edition of the Big Freeze in the Valley.

It happened just two days before news broke that footy legend and FightMND pioneer Neale Daniher passed away after a courageous 13-year battle with motor neurone disease, aged 65.

Following his diagnosis, Daniher spearheaded major fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns against “The Beast”, with FightMND’s major annual fundraiser — the Big Freeze — captivating the nation.

Many local sporting clubs and organisations were inspired by Daniher to replicate the fundraiser at community level, with Chapman Valley one of many to do so.

A huge crowd donned the iconic blue beanies on Saturday at Mazzuchelli Oval, watching Chapman Valley and Towns go head-to-head before 12 sliders took on the Big Freeze slide in the evening.

Club president Mark Houston, who lost his mum to motor neurone disease, estimated more than $17,500 was raised through merchandise sales and goal-kicking pledges.

“The Chapman Valley community got behind it like normal, I know a lot of the kids enjoyed themselves, and that’s what it’s all about, having a fun day,” he said.

“The sliders go above and beyond these days. A lot of them have little skits worked out and they really get into it.

“You can see they put a lot of time and effort into what they’re doing, which adds to the fun.”

It was a special day for Chapman Valley colts player Arlo Mosiejuk, who asked to slide in the Big Freeze to honour his aunt and uncle who died from MND.

The league debutant wore an inflatable duck costume to honour his aunt.

Chapman Valley’s Daniel Borgogno got the sliding action under way dressed as everyone’s favourite TV coach Ted Lasso, from the show of the same name.

The menacing opening notes of John Williams’ Imperial March filled Mazzuchelli Oval as Towns’ Shane and Olivia Bidwell stepped up for their chilly submersion dressed up as the galaxy’s most iconic father-daughter duo Darth Vader and Princess Leia.

Women’s coach Jess Giudice-Nairn and league coach Beau Walker then took a magic carpet ride down the slide, dressed as Jasmine and Aladdin from the Disney movie Aladdin.

Up next, former AFLW Dockers forward Ebony Antonio showed she still bled purple, wearing a purple Teletubbies onesie, revealing it was one of three possible costumes and finalising her decision on Friday.

“She was very keen to get in and get involved and got a bit of white line fever when she was out there as well,” Houston said.

“She went quite hard on the field, and I know the girls enjoyed being around her in the change rooms and after the game. It’s fantastic that she got in and did that.”

Once the crowd chanted his name three times, former Towns player and Chapman Valley premiership coach Jay Corlett came out dressed as Beetlejuice and danced around in his chaotically creepy style before he went down the slide.

Mother and son combination Tenille Webb and Trey Horobin, were next, dressed as the viral internet tune Chicken Banana.

From Coachella Valley to Chapman Valley, Royals forward Lucinda Rouse brought Bieberchella to town, wearing Justin Bieber’s iconic white and purple ensemble.

Rouse had the crowd swooning with a lip-sync performance of Bieber’s One Less Lonely Girl, before she entered the cold water.

Under-16s Chapman Valley Coach Nathan Opalinski wore a bogan beer costume, and like a fresh carton of stubbies on a hot summer’s day, he found his way into the ice to Taio Cruz’s Hangover.

To donate to FightMND, head to your local Coles, Bunnings or Reddy Express to purchase a beanie, or donate online via www.bigfreeze.com.au