Crows midfielder Jordan Gallucci will say goodbye to his handlebar moustache next month in an effort to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

Earlier this year, the 21-year-old’s junior football club in Victoria was rocked by tragedy.

“A couple of my mates were really close with one of the blokes back home, who sadly took his own life,” Gallucci said.

“I just want to try to get blokes to speak up and talk about how they’re feeling.

“Mental health for men is not something they generally talk about it, through that blokey-type persona.”

What started as a bit of fun, has now become the catalyst for Gallucci to “make a difference”.

“I started growing it about five months ago and it has hung around a lot longer than I planned,” Gallucci said.

“I’ve been thinking about doing it for a while and I hadn’t really made my mind up about a charity but the news from home really made it clear for me.”

The money he raises will go to the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to seems to know someone who has struggled with their mental health, whether this outcome or just struggling through everyday life,” Gallucci said.

“Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 44 years.

“Men in particular aren’t great at talking about how they are feeling, so it is important to get the conversation started and let everyone know that it is okay to talk about these things.”

To donate to the cause, head to www.gofundme.com/f/shave-the-mo-for-mens-mental-health