A high-protein diet is essential to fuelling the body of an AFL footballer and while protein is the basic building block of muscle, it is also the basis for hair, so naturally AFL footballers should be able to grow spectacular facial hair.

It is therefore no surprise a group of AFL footballers are leading the charge through Movember.

A Mo team representing Stride Sports Management, comprised of players, clients, staff and directors has raised more than 12 thousand dollars in just two weeks and its team is ranked in the top 15 nationally.

Led by Mobassadors Tom Rockliff, Mitch Duncan, past-player Nathan Thompson and Swimmer Sam Bramham, its 65-strong team of Mo-Bros are raising awareness and funds for men’s health through their ability or inability to grow a mo.

While for the best part of the Stride Mo team, this proposed correlation between a high protein diet and lush facial hair seems to be accurate, but according to Mo Captain and Stride player agent Kathryn Cotsopoulos, there are some exceptions to the rule.

“Nathan Jones and Stephen Coniglio are growing some serious facial hair, but at the other end of the spectrum is Nick Dal Santo…he is getting there” she laughs.

The formation of the Stride team came on the back of a presentation from the founders of Movember at a function earlier in the year, but its motivations lie a little closer to home.

Stride founder and chairman Ian Foote was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and required surgery. He is in remission now, but his experience serves as a constant reminder of the importance for the need to increase awareness of men’s health.

“It’s a great cause regardless of the personal experience we have, but it does serve as a timely reminder that things like prostate cancer can happen to anyone,” Cotsopoulos says.

“When we proposed the concept to our athletes, there was very little hesitation about whether they would be involved. It’s great our guys can use their profile in the community to push such an important message.

“It has also served to bring everyone within the organisation together.”

Rockliff is the ladder-leader, having raised $1500 and Joel Selwood, who is taking his campaign very seriously, even employing a barber to maintain his mustachio, is fourth with more than $1000.

To donate to the Stride Movember team click here