Michael Hurley to shave off ‘putrid’ beard for Rhy Johnson and MAD Foundation
MICHAEL Hurley’s work to raise funds for the MAD foundation has been nothing short of inspirational.
But by Hurley’s own admission, the beard helping him raise that awareness is “pretty average” — and his teammates have let him know all about it since his return to the club.
After being handed a doping suspension in January, Hurley opted not to shave his beard “for a while” — a timeframe that has turned into around 10 shave-less months.
Now the 26-year-old is putting his dreadful, yet impressive beard to good use, attempting to raise $20,000 for the MAD Foundation before shaving it off. Most of the funds will to go towards supporting five-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Rye Johnson, who Hurley has developed a great relationship with over recent years.
Hurley plans to shave the beard off on December 5 for the great cause. But until that day, he’ll be copping a fair rigging from his Dons teammates over his facial hair.
For teammate David Zaharakis, the sledges began quickly after Hurley recommenced training with the club on November 7.
“It’s not pretty, but he’s doing it for a great cause, so I guess you can argue that it makes it acceptable,” Bombers teammate Zaharakis told foxfooty.com.au.
“It does look putrid, I’ll admit that. He looks like Happy Gilmore’s caddie.
“At least he’s doing it for a good cause. He has been growing the hair and the beard for a long time, so I’m sure he’ll look 18 again when he shaves it all off.”
Hurley was one of 10 listed Bombers that recommitted to the club during the 2016 season — a year in which 34 past and present Bombers served 12-month doping suspensions.
For Zaharakis, Hurley’s decision to recommit was incredibly reassuring, both from a personal and club perspective.
“I’ve played footy with ‘Hurls’ since I was 14 or 15-years-old, so it’s great to have a mate who wants to stick around and play for the footy club that we both started at together at the end of 2008,” Zaharakis said.
“Good key-position players are very hard to come by in the AFL. There’s a lot of mids out there — not to diminish the role — but quality, All-Australian big blokes like Hurls and Cale Hooker, they’re quality talent that you can’t really find just free on the open market anywhere.
“To have key pieces to our spine — one forward and one back — it’s great to have them back on board.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, Hurley had already reached his goal with $21,070 raised for the MAD foundation and Rye. To donate, click here.