Lake Grace-Pingrup and Boxwood Hill to do battle on the football field before coming together to raise funds for the fight against MND

Plunging down an inflatable slide into icy water is not everyone’s idea of fun, but it could be helpful after a bruising encounter between Lake Grace-Pingrup and Boxwood Hill Football Club on Saturday.

The clubs will join forces for the fourth annual Big Freeze in Lake Grace this weekend after last year’s event raised more than $70,000.

The clubs will fight it out on the field in the league game, with the winner securing second spot ahead of the finals, but they will come together after the match to raise awareness and funds for the fight against motor neurone disease.

Both communities have suffered losses to MND.

The home side will be looking to turn the tables against Boxwood Hill in a rematch of last year’s grand final.

In a major coup for the event, Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis will come out of retirement to play for Lake Grace-Pingrup in the final round of the Ongerup Football Association.

Lake Grace-Pingrup coach Luke Bairstow said the Big Freeze was a great opportunity for to rally for a good cause.

“It’s a great chance for two communities who have felt the effects of his disease first hand to raise awareness and support each other,” he said.

“I lost my father-in-law to the disease and a lot of Boxwood members have had it, so it’s just a great chance to do an event and help each other out.

“I think there is a bit of rain forecasted so hopefully it’s nice and chilly for them.”

Bairstow said there was a lot on the line in the clash with the reigning premiers.

“We go in with a bit of confidence, I feel like we have been improving,” he said.

“It should be a good game and we have the second semi so we are trying to get that second spot.

“With Matt Priddis paying for us hopefully that draws a few extra down to the event.”