With news filtering through that Kade Simpson is to ditch his sizeable beard in support of the noble cause of Down Syndrome Victoria, time is of the essence in celebrating Carlton’s facial-haired heroes.

After much time and effort (few beards could be found in any Carlton team photographs from the 1890s through the 1960s), a 22-man team of Bluebeards dating as far back as the 1860s, has been selected for your personal enjoyment and edification.

And it’s a team that quite literally grows on you.

Best 22 Bluebeards

Backs: Robbert Klomp, Geoff Hocking, Greg Sharp

Half-backs: Zach Tuohy, Bruce Doull, Bob Chitty

Centres: Kade Simpson, Wayne Harmes, Alan Mangels

Half-forwards: Peter Bosustow, Robert Walls (c-c), Brent Crosswell

Forwards: Brad Pearce, Andrew Walker, Brad Fisher

Rucks: Jack Donovan, Brad Shine

Rover: Rod Ashman

i/change: Denis Collins, Mark Williams, Wayne Deledio

sub: Henry Rix

President: John “Tiger” Gardiner

Brad shine as ruck?