BAYLEY Fritsch is no stranger to the Big Freeze stage and proved this experience in Monday’s thrilling eight-point win over Collingwood.

In the final quarter of the game, Fritsch took on crucial moments, kicking back-to-back goals and helping set up his side’s victory.

“We really wanted to play some trademark Melbourne football, and though at times it might’ve looked a bit clunky, by and large I think we really grinded away to get the four points,” Fritsch said.

“We knew that whoever could take their moments and remain calm, that was the team that was going to win the game of footy, so I think late in the game, we really took our moments.

“We still need to work on things going forward of centre, but I really thought we started to get going in those last two quarters.”

02:56

RD 13 | Post-match Interview | Bayley Fritsch

Fritsch reflects on the nail biting game and it's importance for Neale Daniher and Fight MND.

The win came after back-to-back Melbourne losses, games in which Fritsch was unable to hit the scoreboard.

At the conclusion of the King’s Birthday win, Fritsch had finished with three goals, 15 disposals and seven score involvements.

While it was definitely an improvement on previous weeks, the dynamic forward said he focused on playing his role, no matter the stats sheet.  

“I’ve been a little bit disappointed with my form over the last few weeks, and I think we have as a team as well,” Fritsch said.

“I really wanted to come into today and play Melbourne football and if that means I’m kicking goals, than I’m kicking goals, but I just really wanted to be a good teammate and I think I was able to do that for most of the game.

“I’m really looking forward to hopefully putting some wins together again after a couple of losses.”

08:17

RD 13 | Match Highlights

The Magpies and Demons clash in Round 13 of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

Monday's match was important in more ways than one, the league rallying around FightMND and the powerful work of the late Neale Daniher. 

“This game is only a small part of what this week’s been and what Neale Daniher and the FightMND team have done, so it was obviously great to get the win but I think today is bigger than footy,” Fritsch said. 

“The stories they’ve told as a family to us over the years have really shaped us as a footy club and are things that we live by today.

“Having them come talk to us after the week they’d had shows the values of their family and it was really good to have them there.”