Stonecats player BJ Credlin cuts off dreadlocks to raise funds for five-year-old Rye Johnson

FRANKSTON YCW premiership star BJ Credlin proved he’s a cut above the rest last Saturday.

Frankston YCW premiership star “BJ’’ Credlin cut off his dreadlocks to raise more than $11,000 for five-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Rye Johnson. Picture: Hamish Blair.

FRANKSTON YCW premiership star BJ Credlin proved he’s a cut above the rest last Saturday.

He cut off his trademark dreadlocks to raise funds for five-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Rye Johnson, the son of former Stonecats player Rhys Johnson.

Credlin and Johnson were teammates a few years ago.

Credlin decided about a month to go help Rye, and a GoFundMe page was set up. Within two days more than $3000 had been raised.

Last Saturday night, as Credlin’s locks were chopped in front of about 100 people in YC’s social rooms, the amount raised had grown to $11,000 — a big help for the Johnsons who have ongoing expenses to look after Rye.

Credlin admitted he was “freaking out” before his haircut, “but seeing Rye and his family there on the night made it a lot easier”.

“It’s all worth it, for sure,” he said.

“It’s good to wear hats again.

“Funnily enough, I got dreadlocks in 2012 and that was the same year Rye was born, so I’ve managed to have dreadlocks the same amount of time Rye has been alive. I found that out on the Saturday night and it made me feel like I did the right thing.”

BJ Credlin before and after his great shave, with Rye Johnson.

Credlin says he’s quite enjoying his new sleek look.

“I’ve got this stockpile of hats and beanies that I’ve been hanging out to wear so I’ve been making my way through them,” he said.

Footy-wise, Credlin, 22, is enjoying his new challenge playing with Richmond’s VFL side.

He’s played two games, impressing in the backline, and admits the standard is “a really big step up”.

“I’m coping with all the running during the games, the fitness side of it I can deal with, but just the (lack of) time you’ve got with the ball...unless you take a mark you barely have time to make a decision,” he said.

“If you get a handball receive you pretty much have to make up your mind what you are going to do with it before you get it. It’s that hot.

“I’m really enjoying how professional it is, all the training and all the blokes there are really good.”