Diamond Creek Junior Football Club freezes for a cause close to home
For Diamond Creek Junior Football Club (JFC), footy has always been about more than just what happens on the field. It’s about mateship, community and standing shoulder to shoulder when it matters most. They are a community with heart.
That community spirit was on full display at their 2024 DIY Big Freeze event. An unforgettable night of fundraising, footy and icy plunges for a cause that hits close to home.
“The Diamond Creek Junior Football Club DIY Big Freeze has become the most anticipated event on our calendar,” says Cairenn (Caz) O’Donoghue, the powerhouse organiser behind the club’s Big Freeze efforts. “It’s more than a game. It’s a night of remembrance, hope and action.”
And the numbers back that up. In 2024, Diamond Creek JFC raised an incredible $28,000. A huge leap from their $7,500 total just a year earlier. Every dollar raised goes directly to FightMND ’s mission to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).
From modest beginnings to a local movement
The club’s Big Freeze journey began with a dunk tank and a few brave volunteers. Now, it’s a full-scale community event with footy legends, live auctions, and a growing crowd of supporters.
That growth, she says, comes from a deep, shared connection to the cause.
“In our first year, we were just hoping to raise a few thousand dollars,” Caz reflects. “Now we’ve got people sliding into ice baths, ex-AFL stars coaching teams, and people lining up to donate. It’s amazing how it’s grown.”
“The work of FightMND is a cause that resonates deeply. Not just with us, but across the AFL community,” Caz reflects. “That’s why we’re proud to stand together, year after year, to raise awareness and funds.”
Legends and laughter
The club’s 2024 DIY Big Freeze event brought some big moments. Ray Shaw returned to don a junior coaching bib for the first time in three decades. His brother, Tony Shaw, had the crowd in stitches, and reaching for their wallets, as the event’s auctioneer.
“The support from AFL greats has been phenomenal,” says Caz. “That support has gone even further in 2025. Especially when the Prime Minister gave us a shoutout! That was surreal. It just shows how far our little club’s impact has reached.”
Tip tips for a successful MND fundraiser
According to Caz, running a successful DIY Big Freeze starts with one key ingredient. People who care.
“Building a passionate team is vital. Everything we have achieved has been because of the commitment and energy of our volunteers, families and players.”
Organisation is also key. Caz recommends getting your FightMND merchandise early “The earlier you’re prepared, the more you can raise.” And when it comes to spreading the word, don’t underestimate the power of social media. “Tag FightMND in your posts, share updates, photos, and videos. The more people know about what you’re doing, the greater the impact.”
“We are proud to support the incredible work of Neale Daniher and the FightMND team in their mission to find a cure for this devastating disease.”
Come down to the Diamond Creek JFC DIY Big Freeze
So, what’s next for this passionate club? In 2025, Diamond Creek JFC is taking things to a whole new level. This year’s event will feature a charity footy game played with the winners claiming the inaugural Diamond Creek MND Cup. This brand-new trophy will be contested each year.
Coaching the teams will be North Melbourne VFL’s Darcy and Ewen MacPherson, with AFL legends Ray Shaw and Terry Daniher stepping up as team managers. And for the first time ever, players will brave the FightMND Ice Slide after the match. A fittingly icy finish to a night full of fire and community spirit.
If you’re in the Diamond Creek area, don’t miss this special event. Head down to Coventry Oval on Friday 30 May, with the game kicking off at 7PM. Bring your mates, don your Beanies and help fight the Beast.
Dare to Do and bring the Big Freeze to your community
This year, FightMND is calling on Aussies everywhere to dare to do and take action in the fight against MND. Whether it’s hosting your own DIY Big Freeze event, getting involved in your local club’s Community Round, or proudly pulling on a pair of Big Freeze 11 Socks or donning your Beanie, every effort makes a difference.
It’s about standing together, raising vital funds, and showing those battling MND that they are not alone. So gather your team, get creative, and be part of the movement to fight the Beast.