Jimmy Bartel will grow beard for entire 2016 AFL season to raise awareness about domestic violence

JIMMY Bartel is growing a beard throughout the 2016 AFL season in a bid to raise awareness and increase the conversation around domestic violence. We’re going to track his progress.

A fresh-faced Jimmy Bartel back in 2002.

JIMMY Bartel is going to look very different by season’s end.

Footy fans would likely have noticed Bartel, the champion Cat who’s earned almost every footy accolade available, cranking out a pretty handy beard this season.

JIMMY BARTEL RETIRES

Bartel explained why he’s doing so in a raw, emotional interview with the Herald Sun on the eve of the AFL season.

Speaking of his own experiences growing up, Bartel detailed how he and his family were victims of domestic violence.

So why the beard?

“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 said.

“There are people that think I am are fairly particular about the way I look, so I’m going to challenge their thinking. I am going to be clean-shaven, with a fresh haircut, before Round 1, and then I won’t be shaving until after the Grand Final.

“There are millions of people who will be watching Geelong play this year, so if I can get kids asking their father why I have a big dirty beard and long ratty hair, I will be achieving something. I would love it if a father has to explain to his son or daughter that I’m doing it to raise awareness around domestic violence, and to also explain the issues surrounding domestic violence, and to have an important conversation around it.”

JIMMY BARTEL: WHY I NEED TO TACKLE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

We thought by keeping a gallery of Jimmy’s beard we’re not only helping shed light on the issue of domestic violence, but also giving footy fans a week-by-week update on Jimmy’s progress.

Good luck Jimmy, and we hope the Cats go deep into September.

ROUND 1

Remember this guy? Clean-shaven Jimmy. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

ROUND 2

The best we could find from Round 2. ‘Getting-to-the-itchy-stage’ bearded Jimmy. Picture: Getty Images

ROUND 3

Round 3, and after the Cats big win over Brisbane Paddy Dangerfield congratulates Jimmy on his superb growth. Danger started his beard in 2013. Picture: George Salpigtidis

ROUND 4

‘I even make this look good.’ We wouldn’t have blamed Jimmy if he thought that when he caught a glimpse of himself on the MCG scoreboard against the Bombers. Picture: Colleen Petch.

ROUND 5

Port’s Karl Amon attempted to tackle Jimmy but was shrugged off ... by Jimmy’s beard. Picture: Sarah Reed

ROUND 6

The Cats, Jimmy and the beard made light work of the Suns. Picture: AAP Image

ROUND 7

West Coast's Luke Shuey tried to elude Jimmy’s tackle, but also his beard which is starting to give opponents a rash when he gets too close. Picture: Colleen Petch

ROUND 8

Jimmy Bartel was at the 'Support a Friend' campaign against domestic violence on Sunday - two days after the Cats beat the Crows in Round 8. Picture: Hamish Blair

ROUND 9

A bushy Bartel can’t will this shot on goal through against Collingwood. Picture: Colleen Petch

ROUND 10

Is that a whiteboard or a mirror? Chris Scott and Jimmy Bartel during the three-quarter time break against Carlton. Picture: Colleen Petch

ROUND 11

Is it a beard, is it a plane? No, it’s a flying Jimmy Bartel spoiling young Giant Jacob Hopper at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein

ROUND 12

Brent Harvey asks Jimmy for some tips on growing facial hair after a third-quarter goal against the Roos. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

ROUND 13

Hands down, eyes closed, the biggest beard in the AFL. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

ROUND 14

Jimmy finds solace in his rugged beard after Geelong’s shock loss to St Kilda on the weekend. Picture: Mark Stewart

ROUND 16

Two losses in a row for the Cats make for a sad-looking Jimmy and his beard. Picture:Wayne Ludbey

ROUND 17

Jimmy had an RDO against the Dockers, so here is a pic of the beard in training. Picture: Mike Dugdale

ROUND 18

After a week off Jimmy and his beard relished the wet conditions as they helped lead the Cats past Adelaide. Onto game 300 ... Picture: AAP

ROUND 19

That’s one hair-raising beard. Jimmy had a blinder against the Crows after a week’s rest. Picture: AAP

A man, a beard and a Boris. Plenty of love between Jimmy and teammate Corey Enright ahead of their milestone games. Picture: Nigel Hallett

ROUND 19: 300 Games

Jimmy is chaired off the ground by great mates Joel Selwood and Harry Taylor after booting the last goal in his 300th game. Picture: Getty Images

ROUND 20

The beard took flight against the Bombers. Picture: Getty Images

ROUND 21

The beard copped some friendly fire on the weekend as Jimmy’s Cats pulled of a miraculous victory against Richmond. Picture: Getty Images

ROUND 22

The Cats ventured north to Brisbane in Round 22 ... Jimmy Bartel was rested, but continued his work raising awareness around domestic violence. Picture: Nigel Hallett

ROUND 23

Back in action: The beard looked particularly rugged after Jimmy boy booted a last quarter goal in the Cats’ big win over Melbourne on the weekend. Picture: Colleen Petch.

QUALIFYING FINAL

Jimmy did a number on dangerous Hawk defender Josh Gibson as the Cats got home by just two points to book their spot in the preliminary final. Picture: Colleen Petch.

A WEEK OFF BEFORE THE PRELIM

Will he or won’t he? The Cats have had to fend off questions over whether Jimmy will play in this Friday night’s preliminary final against Sydney. Picture: Alison Wynd

PRELIMINARY FINAL

Don’t say goodbye: He’s contracted for next year, but did Jimmy play his last game in the preliminary final loss to Sydney? Time will tell. Picture: Getty Images