Anthony ‘Macca’ McAlister is a chipper bloke, laid back and always up for a laugh. 

Every weekend is spent at the football wearing the Canaries’ green and gold with pride. 

From a distance, a scruffy auburn beard stands out, contrasting against the deep green of his club colours. It is unkempt and wild. 

For almost a year, McAlister has been growing this tangle of facial hair. 

The last time he shaved was the day of the late Dudley Donohue’s funeral. 

McAlister says he saw him as a father figure, being his wife Chantell’s pop.

“After he unexpectedly lost his battle to cancer last year, this being the last time I shaved, I thought why not honour his name and nearly one-year anniversary in raising as much as I can,” McAlister says. 

“Dudley was very talkative, always making a joke! He loved a good laugh.”

So far, McAlister has raised close to $900 for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave and with 16 donation tins scattered around town yet to be counted, he is within reach of his $1000 target. 

Of course, this can’t be achieved without the support of his club behind him. 

“Thank you to everyone who has donated,” he says. “We really do appreciate it.” 

As an Irishtown Football Club Seniors and Reserves player and coach of the Under 17 team, McAlister will mark the milestone shave surrounded by mates on the final home game of the season on Saturday July 20. 

“I’m ready for it to go,” he laughs. “My face hasn’t seen the sun for a year.”

Kozani Kutz hairdresser Jess O’Halloran will do the honours at 5.30pm. 

There is still time to support McAlister, visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com. 

Irishtown Football Club’s Anthony ‘Macca’ McAlister will take part in the World’s Greatest Shave on the final home game of the season. Picture: Ashleigh Force.