Ben Stratton sat down with The Big Issue this week to discuss the return of the all-mighty mullet as he reveals the inspiration behind his haircut, how he maintains his luscious locks and answers the controversial question: mullet or mo?

When asked why he chose to adopt the iconic hairstyle in the first place Stratton simply replied “I’ve always wanted a mullet at one stage in my life and this is it. This is the year of having a mullet”.  

Whilst the hairstyle was first made famous by musician David Bowie throughout the 1970s and 80s, it shows no signs of disappearing today.

“I think everything sort of goes in cycles. Even hula hooping is making a comeback. Mullets are no different."

Evidently, Stratton isn’t the only member at the club donning a mullet with young defender Blake Hardwick also following the trend.

The 29-year old isn’t reserving the haircut for himself however and states “the more the merrier” when it comes to teammates having one.

“I’m happy for everyone in the team to grow a mullet, that would be pretty cool," said Stratton.

He also believes that the return of the mullet is not a phase, and this is only the start of the trend, stating “everyone had one back in the 80s- they were just the norm. So maybe they might be the norm in the next few years”.

Whilst many may wonder if Stratton’s mullet is inspired by the iconic styles adopted by Hawthorn greats Jason Dunstall, Gary Ayres and Dermot Brereton, this is not the case.

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“There’s this surfer Mikey Wright, he’s my inspiration- he’s running a mullet and seems like a mad dog."

He does however credit the Hawk’s legends stating, “those boys did have some pretty mean ones…I think they all should be celebrated”.

In terms of mullet-maintenance, Stratton is keeping no secrets and whilst Brereton confessed to using laundry powder to keep his locks luscious, Stratton simply let’s his flow free in the wind. He does however praise his hairdresser who regularly keeps his hair in shape and is also responsible for the nicknaming of the do’- ‘The Magic Mullet’.

The defender jokes that the mullet isn’t just for looks and can double as a safety precaution, claiming not only will it keep your neck warm in winter, it can also be used for protection against sunburn in summer.

So, whilst Stratton pleads a great case for the versatility and value of the mullet, how does it compare when asked the burning question: mullet or mo?

“Nah, the mo is done I reckon," says Stratton.

“Although, if you are running both at the same time that’s a pretty good set-up”.

Whilst Stratton is proud to let his long locks flow free, not everybody is a fan of his controversial haircut. When asked what his partner thinks of the mullet, Stratton replied, “she’ll be happy to see the end of it, definitely."