He's become known for his bun, but Crows recruit Bryce Gibbs will start the 2018 AFL season with a fresh haircut and it's all to help two important causes close to his heart.
On Thursday March 8, Gibbs will lose his iconic locks to raise funds and awareness for the Crows Children's Foundation and Dementia Australia.
50 per cent of proceeds will support the Crows Children's Foundation's work with children in need through health, education and welfare programs. The remaining 50 per cent will support Dementia Australia and its work providing vital support services to people living with dementia, their families and carers in South Australia. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia and has affected Bryce's immediate family as well as his fiancé Lauren's.
Gibbs said the idea started when he first arrived at Adelaide late last year.
"When I walked in the door to have a meeting with Pykey, the hair came up as a bit of an issue for him. It was a bit tongue in cheek but the banter certainly continued across the pre-season and I think he's putting his hand up to have the first chop," Gibbs said with a laugh.
"I thought it was about time to chop it. I've had the long hair for about three years now so time's up, and I'm at a new Club obviously, so I'm looking for a bit of a fresh start.
"I'm sure he'll (Pyke) be pretty happy to see me lose the hair.
"We're going to try and have a bit of fun with it. We're obviously encouraging anyone and everyone to tip some money in whether it's $1, whether it's $1,000, whatever people can spare, and some of the highest donors can potentially come down and shave a bit of the 'do' off as well.
"Alzheimer's has affected my immediate family and my fiancé's family as well so we thought it was a good opportunity to raise some money for research around Alzheimer's.
"It can be pretty sad once that disease is fully kicked in so hopefully we can raise some awareness and some research funds to help them."
Gibbs is also thrilled to be able to help the Crows Children's Foundation which Club staff and players are heavily involved with.
"We do a lot of work during the year with families and visiting hospitals and meeting kids and it definitely makes you feel good when you can put a smile on some of those kids' faces," he said.
"I'm only playing a little part in raising some money that can hopefully go towards some research and whatever else they need."
Gibbs isn't the first Crows player to lose his prized locks.
Hugh Greenwood, Harry Dear and Jackson Edwards have all shaved their head for important causes in the past 12 months.
Captain Taylor Walker also shaved off his famous mullet in 2013, raising $67,000 for charity in the process.
"We're hoping to raise as much money as we can to start with and if we can get anywhere close to that (what Tex raised) I'd be pretty proud so let's just see how we go and hopefully we can raise as much money as we can," Gibbs said.
