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Jimmy Bartel shaves beard for incredible cause

Geelong Cats veteran Jimmy Bartel has parted ways with his impressive beard as he continues to raise awareness about domestic violence.

The 32-year-old grew the beard all season for his Face Up To DV campaign.

Bartel hadn't shaved since March in the hope that people would see the beard and ask why he was growing it after experiencing domestic violence firsthand as a child.

The beard at its best. Image: Getty
The beard at its best. Image: Getty

"There was one occasion that still sits vividly in my memory," Bartel told the Herald Sun recently, opening up about his father.

"I remember where I was, how the house was set up, where I was standing. I remember Mum being on the floor in the hallway; he had repeatedly hit her, and she was trying to crawl away from him.

"I remember Olivia (eldest sister) trying to push him away from Mum, and he physically threw her against the wall, like a rag doll, which is hard to comprehend."

And that's where the beard came in.

"I am going to try and get people to start having conversations around domestic violence because I want people to change, and to start owning their behaviours and actions.

Bartel's wife Nadia helps get rid of it. Image: SDP Media
Bartel's wife Nadia helps get rid of it. Image: SDP Media

"I would like to thank all those that have donated to my #FaceUpToDV campaign this year, the support I have received from the community has been overwhelming," Bartel said at TAB's Spring Launch at Crown.

"Thanks must go to...TAB for organising the event and along with Nivea making generous donations."

Image: SDP Media
Image: SDP Media

TAB Head of Media Adam Hamilton present Bartel with a cheque for $50,000 towards the campaign.

The finished product. Image: SDP Media
The finished product. Image: SDP Media

Bartel remains unsure if he will continue his decorated AFL career next season.

The 32-year-old says he is in no hurry to make a decision and is yet to even discuss his playing future with Cats coach Chris Scott.

with AAP