THERE was a lighthearted moment towards the end of Ben Stratton's first press conference as Hawthorn captain on Thursday afternoon.
Coach Alastair Clarkson pointed out to everyone within earshot that his gun defender had opted to go shoe and sock-free for his most important date with the media so far.
Far from being embarrassed, 'Stratts' shrugged and uttered: "You can't see my feet, so that's all right."
New vice-captain Jack Gunston and Ben Stratton share a laugh at training. Picture: AFL Photos
Meet Ben Stratton, the Hawks' popular, driven, respected, lovable, triple-premiership-winning oddball.
He earlier made a point of contrasting himself with former Hawks skipper, midfield champion and new assistant coach Sam Mitchell.
He's just himself. He's a fun character around here, he's upbeat, he loves the loud music in the gym, and loves a good laugh - Jack Gunston on Ben Stratton
That was to highlight how Stratton would tackle the job differently, in that his actions rather than his voice would do the loudest talking.
Mitchell, who shared the 2012 Brownlow Medal with Tiger Trent Cotchin, was the ideal comparison for Stratton to achieve this – but it works beyond that example.
You'd never see the perfectly preened Mitchell in bare feet at a press conference of this nature. Or rocking a mullet. Or shying away from the spotlight.
Jaeger O'Meara and Ben Stratton with shades and mullet at 2018 VFL final. Picture AFL Photos
The pair are evidence there is no one prototype in being a great leader, even if Stratton still needs to prove his prowess.
Stratton's predecessor, Jarryd Roughead, was there for his close mate's unveiling, too.
You get the feeling he'll be very different publicly to Roughead, who was often quite guarded and suspicious of the media.
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That much was obvious when Stratton peeled back the media speak to excitedly recount his emotional and at-times humorous exchange with his parents after finding out he was captain.
It was a genuine insight into what this honour truly meant to him.
We heard about his mother, award-winning artist Mary-Lynne, struggling with the intricacies of a FaceTime conversation (the process doesn't work when you're holding the phone to your ear).
There was his father Peter's 'broga' sessions (yoga that ends with a beer) and how he wore jeans to his first class.
Then the emotion.
"Mum was ecstatic and she was like, 'No, no way, no' and dad was at yoga, so I couldn't call him (immediately, but) I rang him and he was pretty proud," Stratton said.
"It was actually really nice to sort of thank them as well, for getting me to this position and all the work they did when I was younger … it was pretty emotional."
Stratton's appointment received a warm welcome on social media, and one bloke even peeped out of Waverley Park café The Last Piece to congratulate Stratton as he walked by for his official photo.
"Hey, Stratts!" the fan bellowed, just to get the star's attention. Then a thumbs up. Perfect.
Stratton also had reporters eating out of the palm of his hand.
He looked them in the eye when he spoke, informed them – politely and endearingly – he's not too "fond" of doing press, and smiled nervously awaiting questions.
Stratton is more comfortable quelling forwards at the MCG, which he does with remarkable efficiency, or mixing with fellow bohemian types around Melbourne's inner-city suburbs, such as Fitzroy or Brunswick.
Football is just one of this music-obsessed athlete's loves.
He brewed his own pale ale, Noble Boy, with a group of mates that included ex-Hawk Sam Grimley and Essendon's Joe Daniher, deejays once a month, speaks multiple languages and knows how to play piano and guitar.
No doubt there's plenty more to Stratton, too.
The last word goes to Stratton's vice-captain Jack Gunston, his teammate of seven years.
"You can depend on him week to week in the way he acts and plays and you know he's going to go out and play for the team and not worry about his own safety or stats or anything like that," Gunston said.
"He's just himself. He's a fun character around here, he's upbeat, he loves the loud music in the gym, and loves a good laugh.
"He's popular among all the boys here and it was a really smart choice by everyone to have Ben as our captain."
