Footy star Ben Brown reveals his cousin’s battles with leukaemia spurred him on to shave his head

Melbourne Demons star Ben Brown will shave his famous locks after he was inspired by his cousin’s battles with leukaemia.

The AFL premiership winner, 30, will donate the takings to the Challenge organisation, a non-profit supporting kids with cancer, following the shave on February 25 at Yarra Park in Melbourne.

As a club, the Demons are also encouraging families and fans to come along and showcase their support for the noble cause.

Grace, 17, has endured two bouts of leukaemia – and in Brown’s eyes, getting out the clippers was the least he could do.

‘Any help that all of you can give me along that journey, knowing what Grace has gone through and what my family’s gone through would mean the world to me,’ the forward who booted three goals in the 2021 grand final triumph against the Western Bulldogs, said.

‘Grace had a pretty tough time of it throughout her life… when she was six, she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

‘She has gone through many years of treatments, many years in hospital, had a few years of everything’s all great and then had a relapse and was diagnosed with leukaemia again.

Brown is very close with his cousin, 17-year-old Grace, who has endured two bouts of leukaemia

‘Fortunately, Grace is in remission again for a second time following some amazing new technology that’s come through called CAR T-cell therapy.’ 

Brown, who made his AFL debut in 2014 with North Melbourne, admitted he hasn’t cut his hair in ten years.

The Demons tackle the Bulldogs in their 2023 season opener on March 18 at the MCG.

Simon Goodwin’s men ($7) are currently second in the AFL premiership market behind Geelong ($5).