Since 2015, the match has been preceded by the Big Freeze, a charitable event raising funds into research for motor neuron disease (MND).

Collingwood, which had a substantially higher membership and more blockbuster fixtures than Melbourne, agreed to and encouraged the deal over that period.

[5][6] The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the game's continuity for two years: the match was not played at all in 2020, and was relocated to the Sydney Cricket Ground at short notice due to a lockdown in Victoria in 2021.

In support of the "Cure for MND Foundation", well known football, sporting, entertainment and media personalities slide into a giant ice pool on the ground before the start of the game.

[9][10] The first Big Freeze was held in 2015, and the Neale Daniher Trophy was established in the same year and awarded to the best player on the ground in the game.

[13] No Queen's Birthday match was played due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a Big Freeze television event occurred with a player from every club involved.