Sydney FC’s Socceroos star Rhyan Grant has smashed his fund-raising target of $10,000 by more than double, after having his iconic mullet shaved today, ahead of the Sky Blues home clash with Brisbane Roar on Saturday night (7pm kick off).
Grant, who is raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation as part of the World’s Greatest Shave, has raised over $21,000 so far and is keen to go further now his famous blond mullet has been removed.
NEWS: Huge Week Ahead For Sydney FC & Bobô
NEWS: Patrick Wood Signs Scholarship Deal
The 29-year old full back has donned the haircut for almost three years but today it has been given the boot by team-mate Luke Brattan who shaved it all away.
“It feels weird now it has gone,” said the man who struck the winning goal in the 2020 A-League Grand Final.
“But all good things must come to an end and I’m pleased it has helped raise so much money. I just hope everyone comes out to the game on Saturday to support us and perhaps donate some more.”
Grant’s mullet had been elevated to legendary status among sports fans in Australia over the last few years, even Brisbane Roar striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls, who Grant comes up against this weekend wanted a piece of it two seasons ago.
“Yeah he tried to give it a tug when we played them up there,” said Grant. “It was a bit of fun and I gave him a shove for it, but it was all good natured.
“We’ll have to wait and see what he comes up with on Saturday now it has gone!”
Donations have come in from right around the world, including past and present team-mates, and the defender is grateful for all of the support.
“Thank you to all the Sydney FC Members, our fans, my friends and family, as well as our club and the Socceroos for their donations.
“It has been overwhelming and fantastic and hopefully there is more to come.”
Fellow Sky Blue Luke Brattan raised over $30,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation last year after his sister Holli-Mia was diagnosed with the disease.
Brattan donated $500 himself to Rhyan’s shave, but was nominated by Sydney FC after the club became Rhyan’s largest donor putting forward $1,300 – or $100 for every season he has appeared in Sky Blue.
“That was a lot of fun, I enjoyed shaving his head and I think I’ve done a decent job, but I will let others make the call on that,” said the midfielder.
“It’s great to be a part of this initiative once again and I hope everyone can still continue to donate to such a great cause.”
The Socceroos also got on board with a $1,200 donation to the shave – $100 for every one of the 12 Socceroos caps to Grant’s name.
Grant has had to raise his target amount three time and it now stands at $25,000.
Fans will get the first chance to see his new hair when the Sky Blues take on Brisbane Roar at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday evening at 7pm.
