HAWTHORN defender Ben Stratton says playing for his teammates is the best thing about football as he inks a new deal to remain at the Club beyond 2013.

The dour defender has become one of the most consistent and reliable performers in the Hawthorn side because of his courage and, ability to lock down on dangerous opposition forwards.

Those values have seen him become a favourite amongst the Hawthorn faithful and, probably one of the first players picked at selection.

It makes him an important and valuable asset to not only the Hawthorn defence but also to the Club as a whole.

Third overall at the Club for one percenters last season, Stratton has illustrated in the opening three matches this season that his desire to play for his teammates is ever present.

The modest defender says though, he’s just buying into the mantra of the Club’s defensive group.

“Down in the backline we pride ourselves on that – the smothers and those sorts of things is our number one mantra,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“Spoiling and helping out your teammates is definitely something we focus on down there.”

He admits being selfless is the best part of playing football.

“It’s the best part, helping out your teammates,” he said.

“If you’re helping them and then they help you in turn, it’s going to be better for you and for the team as well.”

Since arriving at the Club as a 20 year old from East Perth in 2009, Stratton has developed close relationships with his teammates and coaches.

He says having good relationships with the people he spends each day with is important not only for the culture of the Club, but for the team’s performance on the field.

Having that mateship, that closeness, he says helps the defensive group gel.

“It’s a pretty important part (building friendships), we hang out at the Club and then away from the Club as well, everyone in the team is your best mate,” he said.

“It’s good fun playing footy with them but also outside of the Club, having that mateship, it’s good.

“We’re pretty tight knit down there (in defence) and it shows on the field when we’re helping each other out, that’s when we’re playing our best footy.

“Blokes like ‘Schoey’ and ‘Gibbo’ and Birch and those boys, we’re close mates on the field but also off the field because you’ve got to have that.”

Such was the potential Stratton showed in his first season at the Club, the now 24 year old defender was handed the number 24 guernsey at the end of his first season.

Last worn by 2008 premiership player Trent Croad, and previously worn by Club greats Peter Knights and Chris Langford, Stratton says he’s proud to wear the number 24 for Hawthorn.

“It’s a pretty good number to have, when the Club asked me to take it, I was pretty stoked to have it and didn’t really hesitate,” he said.

“There was no second thoughts, I thought with those players who have worn it before, if I can play anywhere near their capacity then I’d be better off.”

Stratton says he never contemplated playing elsewhere at the conclusion of his current contract.

“The proud club it is, it’s the family club and from the moment I got drafted and stepped foot into the door I knew I was always going to be at Hawthorn.

“It’s a great club and if I can, I don’t want to leave.”

Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright says despite coming to the Club with great expectations on his shoulders, Stratton has exceeded expectations.

“He has certainly surpassed where we thought he may get to, just because of the fact he’s able to win so much of the ball through his great speed and great agility,” Wright told hawthornfc.com.au

“He has all the things you need in your modern day defenders and he’s added a lot to our back half.

“He’s a super competitor and uses the ball well, he’s been a really important player for us.

“He’s a very good character, he’s really well liked in the group and I know from a coaching perspective, all the coaches really rate him as a player.”