Essendon ruck Sam Draper is tackling Movember once again in 2023.

This is the fifth consecutive year that the 25-year-old has committed to the charity, after raising more than $13,000 for the cause since 2019.

First founded in 2003, Movember sees Australians grow a moustache throughout the entire month of November, raising funds for mental health awareness, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer in the process.

For Draper, the charity is one that resonates personally, looking to do his part in supporting men’s health.

“I’ve been part of Movember for a few years now and I love what they are about. It’s a movement for guys to look after their health and go beyond the banter to have open conversations about their mental and physical wellbeing,” Draper said.

“Within my profession there can be a lot of mental adversity. It’s a high pressure environment and it can be very challenging at times, so it’s super important for myself and my teammates to look after our mental health.

“I do know there are a lot of guys who suffer in silence, and the stigma has been changing in a more positive trend, but I believe we still have a long way to go.”

Draper has set a goal of $5,000 in donations for his Movember campaign this year, after raising $6,375 in 2022.

You can donate to Draper’s Movember effort and read more about the cause here.