Gary Ablett Jr has joined forces with FightMND to take the Big Freeze plunge for a cause that’s now closer than ever to his heart.

Ablett braved the icy waters on Thursday morning with thoughts of late uncle Geoff, who died last month after a brief battle with MND, and Neale Daniher in his mind.

Watch the video above: Gary Ablett Jr pays tribute to late uncle with poignant gesture

Geoff, a dual Hawthorn premiership player, was only diagnosed in 2025 and given just 6-12 months to live.

Ablett said it made his commitment to the cause more poignant.

“That’s a big part of the reason why I am here, having someone in the family that had battled with MND and unfortunately lost that battle” he told 7NEWS.

“I really just wanted to be here today to really get behind Neale and (wife) Jan and the team, create some awareness of just how tough some families are doing it.”

Ablett said it was difficult to see a family member, let alone one who played football at the highest level, cut down.

“Absolutely it’s hard when you see someone go through something like that,” he said.

“It’s a big part of the reason why I was here today.

“I know we’ve got a long way to go and hopefully we can find a cure sooner rather than later.”

Ablett said he is willing to head down the slide to raise even more awareness at the King’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood.

“I’m just waiting for the invite,” he laughed.

“So there we go, I’ll put it out there now. I think it is something I’ll take part in at some stage.”

Ablett went head-to-head with Collingwood icon Peter Daicos in a kicking competition before they both took the plunge in a skip bin.

“It’s been about six years since I’ve done an ice bath so I did find it very cold,” he said.

Jan Daniher said the footage would bring a smile to her husband’s face.

“He’s sort of struggling a lot at the moment so for him to say that that will definitely liven him up a little bit,” Jan said.