Chance Bateman set to lose trademark mane
HAWTHORN'S Chance Bateman will put his AFL premiership celebrations on hold for a little while to have his head shaved in support of Indigenous health.
Just days after winning the 2008 flag with the Hawks, Bateman will lose his famous natty dreads and will go under the buzzer to raise money for
The Rioli Fund for Aboriginal Health.
And members of the public could be on-site and share lunch with Hawthorn's five Indigenous players: Bateman, Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Mark Williams and Cameron Stokes.
The fund was founded by Dean Rioli, who played 100 games with AFL club Essendon.
"The Rioli Fund has been established in conjunction with Menzies School of Health Research to raise support for research into issues that impact the health and well-being of Indigenous Australians," says the site's introduction.
Bateman is set to have his hair cut on Friday, October 3.
Hawthorn is supporting The Rioli Fund as an official community partner.
"It's great the club is supporting The Rioli Fund and Menzies, the five of us Indigenous players are really proud of our heritage and look forward to being part of the solution to the health problems faced by so many Indigenous people," Bateman said.
"I hope by cutting my hair I can raise awareness to Indigenous health and raise some funds for Menzies".
Already, Hawthorn has raised $4500 for the fund through its auction for the event.
* The auction ends on Thursday, October 2. Click
here to visit the Hawks' auction site and maybe place a bid.
Franklin to have shoulder operation
HAWKS star Lance Franklin is set to have surgery on his right shoulder tomorrow.
A Hawthorn spokesman said Franklin will have a 'clean-up' on the shoulder and that it will unlikely have an impact on his pre-season.
Franklin has had his shoulder strapped throughout this season and hasn't missed a game. The 21-year-old, who also won last week's voting for mark of the year, with 41 per cent of the vote, also played for the Dream Team in the AFL Tribute Match in May.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Last Modified on 30/09/2008 22:14