Taming the mane: LaFontaine to lose locks in the name of mental health

Subiaco recruit Matt LaFontaine has been growing his mullet for the past two and a half years. 

It’s seen everything from the chilly weather of Victoria where he grew up, to the blistering heat of Kalgoorlie, where he quickly became a cult hero. 

However, his hair is all set to disappear, with LaFontaine committing to shave his head, all to raise awareness for mental health.

Speaking to SubiacoFC.com.au, the 23-year-old hoped his “Tame the LaFonmane” fundraiser would spark a conversation.

“I've had a bit of a passion for mental health and how important it should be for people,” he said.

“I feel like my mullet is part of who I am as a person, a pretty significant part of who I am.

“Hopefully by me getting rid of it, it'll start the conversation between people about mental health.”

LaFontaine lived in Victoria when the COVID-19 pandemic first came to Australian shores. The state was subject to various lockdowns, where sports, including football, had been cancelled as part of restrictions. He said it’s where he first encountered a struggle with his mental health.

“I was stranded away from everyone and couldn't see anyone,” he said.

“I got myself into a bit of a state with depression and anxiety, and it was very ongoing, and I just deteriorated real bad.

“Knowing how bad it was to be alone in those times, and then how much better I felt when I spoke to people: that's another reason why I'm doing this.”

His time in Kalgoorlie also reminded him of how important mental health is. Two football players, including one of his teammates, took their own lives during his time there. He said starting a conversation can do so much for people.

“At the end of the day, you could ask them if they're right and you could potentially save their life.”

The experiences LaFontaine has faced has inspired him to raise $5,000 for Speak & Share, an organisation created by some of his friends in Victoria aiming to improve mental health through encouraging people to be vulnerable, and to educate mental health strategies. 

All the funds raised will go towards helping the organisation start school and sporting based programs, where they hope to inspire people to have conversations about their mental health.

He said it’s very exciting seeing the amount of people who want to help.

“I wasn’t really expecting much, I thought I’d aim high and see what happens,” he said.

“I think I raised $1,500 in the first 24 hours, and that was super exciting.

“For me to help my mates promote this message, that means so much to me as well.”

The Boulder product admitted he’s not sure if he’s ready to part ways with his luscious locks, but said the cause he’s cutting it for is means so much more to him than his hair.

“The Font” will be shaving his mullet at the Subiaco Football Club on Tuesday April 5, with the event to be streamed on FaceBook from 4pm.

Anyone who wishes to donate can head to his GoFundMe page, where he has raised over $4,500 dollars so far.

While the money will go to a great cause, LaFontaine hoped the fundraiser would allow more people to speak up about their mental health.

“We just want people to start talking to people about their feelings,” he said.

“...to open up, be vulnerable, and understand that it's okay to do that.”

“Tame the LaFontmane” - https://gofund.me/bce23f3a