Name: Hanzilla #48 

League: Sun State Roller Girls

Team(s): The Vandals, Black Mambas (trop carny exhibition game)

Skate set up: 
Not the best, still on the first pair of GT 50s I bought almost 18 months ago! hey but look out when I get a new pair, I’ll be even better?!

When did you start skating? Did you have any prior athletic experience? 
Had some time on rollerblades when I was 8 but other than that the first time I put on skates and had a go was July 2010. Never played a competitive team sport before Roller Derby!

Tell us a little bit about your derby journey (how did you get involved, your fresh meat experience, highs/lows/injuries – recovery).
My first injury was 10mins before I was due to leave for my first fresh meat session.. I decided to zip around the house a little and axed my ankle falling badly. Couldn’t skate for a couple of weeks and I don’t think it’s every fully recovered. Lots of bruises and pad abrasions. Fresh meat was just so much fun, I love learning new things and seeing what my body can do if I push it.
The best part of my journey was in level 3 of our star program; my coach had so much belief in us all!

Tell us about the first derby bout you ever saw. If bouting, please also tell us a little bit about your first bout.
I watched NBR’s Diner Might Dolls and Love Rockettes at the Convention Centre in South Bank. Never did I think I would be playing a game just over a year later!
Vandals vs Defiants was my debut bout. Very intense and fun, even had the excitement of versing my girlfriend! (The Ugly Duckling #22).

Who has inspired you to play derby? Who are your favourite Aussie (& international) skaters?
Biggest inspiration is all the girls, coaches and refs I skate beside, every one of them has taught me something or given me drive to move forward.
My favourite skaters are those talented buggers who can Jamskate! TEACH ME!!

How much time do you put into derby each week? (approx. – please specify time on/off skates – key exercises)
Probably not enough, but 5 hours solid league training a week and outdoor skates once a week; I’m a big fan of skate parks and hills!

What are your favourite wheels to use and why? What other gear do you swear by?
Fugitives are what I’ve always used; Omegas are a good hard wheel.

Where do you see/want to see Australian Roller Derby in five years’ time?
A more realistic season maybe 8 months instead of 11!
It would be awesome to have every game televised and sponsored by more community businesses or have community input.

Do you have any advice for those interested in volunteering and/or playing roller derby?
Look after your knees! Always buy the best protection, that’s why I still skate on original skates and spend my money on gear.
Don’t expect to make friends with all 100 odd skaters in your league, just keep a smile on your face and be respectful.

Photo by Susan Yang

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