Jake Barrett revealed the inspiration behind his haircut to Lions TV this morning: “I just love a good mullet.”

The 22-year-old said none of his teammates believed him when he said he would grow it out that way. But he stuck to his word, shocking them at Brisbane Airport.

At the Club’s first open training session at UTAS Stadium today, fans were quick to give praise.

“A few are liking the mullet which is good, always handy,” Barrett said.

Players met local Launceston fans at the conclusion of their brutal session on Day 2 of pre-season camp.

The team were out on a warm Tassie day for more than three hours and Barrett believes the side ran more than nine kilometres in the session, along with plenty of contact and skill related drills. 

He himself has emerged as one of the team’s strongest runners. In a recent three-kilometre time trial, Barrett finished in the top five.

2017 was his inaugural season with the Lions and he notched 17 Senior games. After signing with the Club for another year at the end of the 2017 season, the utility wants to keep building on his hard work.

“I had a bit of a focus in the off-season to eat really well and I made sure I looked after myself really well and followed the program set,” Barrett said.

“It’s great. It’s good to sign on for another year.”

Barrett remembers coming to Tasmania this time last year as a new Lion. He hopes his new teammates get the same out of the experience as he did.

“It’s good to get around them and get to know them a bit better. I think they’ll really enjoy it,” he said.

The cooler weather is also a welcome change.

“It’s not as humid. You’re not sweating as you’re getting on the field, you’re actually sweating during training.”