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PO Box 664Hamilton
NSW 2303
Fort Smashleys
Smash (v) 1. to break to pieces with violence and often with a crashing sound, as by striking, letting fall, or dashing against something; shatter; crush.
2. to defeat utterly, as a person; overthrow or destroy, as a thing.
Made up of hard-arsed booty blockers, quick-footed jammers, and a steadfast team attitude, the Fort Smashleys work together in strategic offensive and defensive manoeuvres to protect their mighty Jammers and eradicate their opponent's defences. The Smashleys are sure to make each bout a visual spectacular of agility, strategy and old school domination.
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? By day Battlecat's alter ego is Cringer - the lazy, cowardly, food-loving feline who avoids trouble and responsibility at all costs. As soon a she straps on her armour, this feline is ready to battle.
What do you enjoy doing when your not skating? Trawling the streets with the street gang she fronts, starting fires and putting them out. Finding injustice and looking the other way. Saving the world one Red Bull at a time - if you want to make friends with this battle-ready feline, then buy her a drink. Red Bull, of course.
Who or what inspires you on and off the track? While on the prowl for new gang members, my cousin and fellow Smashley, Sami-Automatic brought me to a bout. I decided after 20 minutes that this would be a suitable arena to unleash some fury. Haven't looked back since.
Who in all of derbydom do you consider your rival? Team zebra and anyone dressed like a Hellcat.
How did you get into derby? I'd known about derby for years & always thought it was uber cool, but there was only the Sydney league which was too far away. then of course whip it came out (yes yes i know) so i hopped on the googles & found the site for NRDL. i came & watched the January Jam in 2010 and knew instantly i *had* to be involved in this somehow!
What do you enjoy doing when your not skating? Chillin with my whippets
What has been your favorite derby-related experience to date? Watching the dockyard dames come within a noonie hair of beating the pistola cholas last November!!! Other than that making the Dames squad had me grinning like a moron for quite some time
Who or what inspires you on and off the track? The wonderful and awe inspiring DangeRass!!!! She is a sophisticated cyborg sent to us from planet Derby in the Derby system.
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? I damaged my posterior cruciate ligaments in both my knees while I was still a freshie! I have since learned the true value of good kneepads!!! And I've had a whoooole lotta bruises, including a perfect wheel shaped one in my butt crack!!
How did I get into derby? I saw some derby stuff in an American tattoo magazine and then found the Newcastle league. I went along to a few bouts and really wanted to join up but was hesitant due to the grave fear of breaking my wrist and being unable to work. I finally got over that fear and talked to a few of the girls that were already members and just joined up. Haven't fallen on my hands yet. (Touch wood).
What do my family think? My family made fun of me when I joined because they know how uncoordinated and untough I am. Now they probably still think that but they're supportive.
Who is your derby inspiration? There isn't one person who inspires me. I've been watching heaps of Suzy Hotrod clips lately and she makes me wanna skate harder. There are girls in the league who inspire and encourage me to try harder and push myself.
Have I skated before? I had never skated before I started derby. It was hard at first and I was well awkward on skates. Heaps better now, still a bit to go though.
What would I say to anyone thinking of joining? Just give it a go. If you don't like the skating you'll love the social side
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? Otherwise, no real injuries to date.
How long have you been skating? Been skating for over 30 years. Been doing roller derby for 3 years this April - woo-hoo!
What is your favourite position on the track? Love Blocker Position #4 - my enjoyment rests solely with being the first booty the jammer smacks into.
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? My most memorable derby experience was Game 2 between us and Wollongong at Gateshead. They had beaten us in Game 1 convincingly, but we came up with some solid walls, our defence was unbeatable, and the entire crowd lifted the roof of by chanting "Newcastle!" - and we won. I was so high after that game that I could have floated home. It all "came together" on that night.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not skating? Love spending time with my kids - just getting out of the house and being with my favourite people outside of derby!
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? If I'm playing nice I skate as Calamity. If I'm not playing nice I skate as Cutthroat.
What do you enjoy doing when your not skating? I love to body board, big fan of the lid. I love being in the ocean, it a completely different level of chaos compared to on the track. When I'm not in the water I'm back on skates hitting ramps at the skate parks, scary but oh so challenging.
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? The great Southern Slam in Adelaide last year, what an amazing adventure! I think I played at least 8 bouts in two days! My body was screaming in refusal by the end of the tournament but I will never forget what an amazing experience it was skating with so many new people. I cannot wait until the next tournament!
How do you get psyched for a game? On the way to the game I blast myself with the heaviest tunes I can get my hands on, then rally with my team on the track, a little heckling and bumping with the opposing team, then you will always see me shut my eyes and take a few deep breathes on the bench before the first line goes out...I have a process. It works well for me
Who in all of derbydom do you consider your rival? Well it used to be Shelby Unconcious from WIRD, but now I think i would have to say Haterade from SRDL, I want that girl at my feet one day! She is incredible!
What do you enjoy doing when you�re not skating? I like to spend time with my family, I also enjoy gardening, baking, camping, crocheting, watching movies, drinking coffee, face painting and supporting people with disabilities at my workplace
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? Definitely 'The Great Southern Slam' in Adelaide. It was so awesome to be representing NRDL in the Nationals, and it felt so amazing to be a part of such a massive derby congregation with derby peeps coming together from all over Australia and NZ all with the game of Roller Derby in their hearts, competing, experiencing, learning, bonding, loving partying, drinking, and getting down and dirty like only Derby folk can do! I learnt so much there and have memories I will cherish forever.
What would you say to anyone considering adopting derby into their lives? The world of Roller Derby is a roller coaster ride/mixed bag of highs, lows, awesomely fun road trips, photo shoots, exhilarating games, adrenalin pumping anticipation, emotionally charged competition, amazing relief, girly bonding, rivalry, cheeky outfits, great sportsmanship, stinky skate bags, fitness and all kinds of shenanigans you will never ever get anywhere else! If you want to become a serious Derby player you need to be dedicated, committed and be prepared to welcome a whole new way of living and a whole new family of amazing derby peeps into your life! You will notice that your body shape will change and you will become a stronger, wiser, more confident woman. You may at times feel overwhelmed by all this but you will know that you can count on so many of your derby sister to help you through anything!
What do your family think about derby? I am very fortunate to have the most AMAZING family to support me! My twin sister 'Fisty Fistulina" is also a member of the league! She is a Harbour Hellcat so we get to pumble it out on the track! My Partner never had a problem with me doing Derby, in fact he is so supportive he is now one of our Refs, off skate trainers and assistant Coach to the Dames! (We also get to pumble it out on the track). Our two children have also embraced the love of Derby and rarely miss a training session with us and can usually be found wearing their skates around the outside of the track! My mum and dad and sisters are always at the bouts as well as my extended family! I am very lucky and blessed to be so supported.
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? My ass is my weapon and my name is your warning. If you're a Jammer, look out! You're gonna see plenty of it!!
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? Playing at the Hordern Pavilion is incredible! I love seeing that many people all there to watch derby. The sound of 2,500+ people screaming for both teams is just amazing! I was also blown away to be named Player of the Year for NRDL last year. Both very memorable experiences for me.
Who or what inspires you on and off the track? The skaters who are disciplined and focused and work their butts off to be the best they can be. The ones who you know you will always see at training and will skate till they have nothing more they can physically give.
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? Do derby parties count? I get more injuries at the after parties than on the track. Derby girls are wild!
Who in all of derbydom do you consider your rival? Haterade from SRDL. We have a really similar approach to the game and our training. And most importantly we love to kick each other's ass!
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? I don't have a derby persona as I am derby, derby is life.
How did you get into derby? I got into derby through great friends -Godjilla and Jac Knife
Who or what inspires you on and off the track? All the beautiful derby girls in the league inspires me on the track and off the track my mum. She has shown me that you can overcome anything if you want it bad enough and she has taught me to be more patience.
How do you get psyched for a game? I get psyched up before the game by seeing the crowd
What do your family think about derby? My mum worries but thinks derby is cool, my niece wants to play
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? It's not an explanation that can be printed!!
What do you enjoy doing when you're not skating? Drinking, eating, pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.
What would you say to anyone considering adopting derby into their lives? Make sure you have plenty of time, and be prepared for it to take over your life!! Oh, and you will never ever be on your own ever as you will make so many awesome new friends!
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? Fractured my butt in a demonstration bout and cracked some ribs in derby-related drinking incident.
What do your family thing about derby? That it takes up far too much of my time, and does not leave room for anything else!! But dad loves coming to bouts for obvious reasons.
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? Glitter N. Gore is a bit of a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" type character. Both sides of the name are derived from aspects of my own interests and personality. Glitter is the over the top, larger than life, fun loving glamour girl who appears to be high, like she has been snorting Glitter or something; while Gore is more game face, dominating, heavy metal & horror films loving woman. Miss Gore will usually be the one sending bodies flying on the track.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not skating? Well when I am not skating I am usually doing 1 of 3 things - working, sleeping and hanging out with friends.
Who or what inspires you on and off the track? Looking back on how far I have come fitness wise inspires me for more. Early on this year I made a conscious decision to change my mind set when it came to derby and training. I used to get defeated by the fact that some things are harder for me because of my size. I would excuse not keeping up with my lack of fitness compared to others. It just took flipping a mental switch to realize that i can do it. That i will do it! I take what used to be negative and turn it into a positive and i am now much happier for it.
How long have you been skating? I used to casually roller blade as a kid then through high school i took to ice skating. I was very into my ice skating going several times a week. I did training to play ice hockey but then life got in the way. After lurking in the shadows for a while, watching NRDL grow, I decided it was time and joined derby a year ago. I haven't looked back!
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? Only two months into my derby career I managed to hurt my right knee badly. I came down on it hard with inferior knee pads. I damaged several ligaments in my knee as well as some damage to the cartilage under my knee cap. It took several months to get to a point where it was safe to fully participate again. It's a permanent weakness now so I am always very cautious with my knees and never skimp on good quality knee guards.
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? GodJilla Sold Separately on the track is a big blocking intimidator. I like to look into the eyes of my opponent and bring fear to their core, even before the block is felt. Show pony is another descriptor.
How did you get into derby? I've been skating since I was 5 years old. An old skating buddy ran into another old skating buddy who was already part of derby and the info was passed on. This sport combines my background in skating, contact sports (rugby union) and show ponying.
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? Coming out in a straight jacket and Hannibal Lector mask at the Hordern Pavillion - awesome!
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? I have a lot of old injuries that I keep hurting, but my worst derby-related is the constant ego injuries. I am great at making a dick out of myself, particularly in front of a crowd.
What do your family think about derby? They are just waiting for me to injure myself and become my carer again. They love that I'm back on skates and enjoying a sport again. It was my Dad that used to spend many hours with me on skates as a kid. I think if I was still in the same town as him even in his 60s, he would don the stripes!!
How did you get into derby? I worked with NRDL member Dino La Rouge and was hooked from the moment I heard we had a league in Newcastle. I bothered her for info and stories all the time regarding derby until i bit the bullet and joined up. Best decision I ever made. Skating has always been a passion since I was a child. Now I had a real reason to put on a pair of skates...yewwww
What do you enjoy doing when your not skating? I sing and play guitar with Newcastle based band VAMP as well as my covers band 'The Honeymoon Sweet'. I teach singing and dance at Rosie's School of Rock and I am mum to the best two kids around. Music keeps me grounded and sane.
How long have you been skating? My parents bought me my first skates when I was 4 years old. I loved street skating around Bondi and then developed a passion for speed skating after my introduction to skating rinks. I have also ice skated since I was 7...then life got in the way and I spent about 20 years off skates, then Derby walked into my life and re-ignited my passion.
What do your family think about derby? They think it keeps me off the streets...they welcome and support all my derby endeavours and actually LIKE hearing about derby all the time. I think they see how happy it makes me so the chance of injury doesn't keep them up at night or anything. They would just prefer it if I stayed away from the big hittin girls.
What would you say to anyone considering adopting derby into their lives? What i say to people all the time...DO IT! It's a fantastic empowering experience that just keeps getting better. I thought a person of my tiny frame would fail miserably at this sport, instead it has made me stronger, fitter and braver than I ever thought possible. Derby is an awesome Journey...what are you waiting for???
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? Its a toss up between the first time we skated at the Hordern in Sydney and the first ever bout I played in. Both times I couldn't get the smile off my face, despite getting smacked around and spending most of the time on the floor.
What would you say to anyone considering adopting derby into their lives? DO it! It might seem like a big commitment, and it will take over your life, but you will be rewarded with increased strength and fitness, amazing confidence and the love and support of the crazy, wonderful derby family.
How long have you been skating? I started skating again in November 2009, after a break of 28 years. Things have changed a lot in that time but I'm still very clumsy. The introduction of protective gear is definitely a plus.
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? A badly bruised hip, which has resulted in a permanent lump on my leg (very unattractive). But i'm lucky in that despite falling more than anyone else 9and usually for no reason) I bounce very well.
What do your family think about derby? After some initial unease they are fully supportive. My mum makes gorgeous booty shorts for me and my Dad even read the WFDTA Rulebook! And my wonderful husband, Commando Feltron, loves how happy it makes me.
What do you enjoy doing when your not skating? When not skating, Hippy enjoys natures finest, kite flying and bike riding.
How did you get into derby? Hooked up with NRDL in 2008 via doco "Derby Dolls".
What do your family think about derby? My folks love it and support my rolla journey.
What would you say to anyone considering adopting derby into their lives? Stay low, skate fast.
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? Any road trip with my fellow rollas is destined for good times.
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? My name references the Goddesses of Vengeance, the Furies. They are like the 'Dexter' of Greek mythology... punishing those who committed crimes against the law or the vulnerable. They stalked the offenders and struck them down with madness. They weren't pretty to look at but their booty blocks were legendary!! Unleash the Furie!
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? I took a busload of friends to the first roller derby bout at the Hordern Pavilion to celebrate my 40th birthday. Newcastle played Wollongong in the demo bout before Sydney took on North Brisbane. I was third reserve...but after a 2 1/2 hour road trip full of beer, margaritas and birthday cake there was no way I could have stepped up! My dancing was bad enough! The bouts, however, were awesome!!
How long have you been skating? I was skate obsessed when I was a kid. I cried my heart out when my dog chewed up my beloved Superstars. I joined NRDL in its infancy (Jan 2008) with a replica pair of my retro skates to get me rolling again.
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? Twisted the ligament to my big toe!
Who in all of derbydom do you consider your rival? My biggest rival is me! But there are certain players who make me want to serve up a big hit.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not skating? Drinking exquisite coffee and correcting other peoples' mistakes.
Who/what inspires you on and off the track? Genuine people who are passionate about what they do.
How long have you been skating? With NRDL since April 2009.
How do you get psyched for a game? Obnoxious music and strong coffee.
What do your family think about derby? Some are supportive, some are enthusiastic, but neither are both.
How long have you been skating? I have been skating since November 09 - 15 months.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not skating? When I'm not skating, am a happily married mum to 4 kids, work part time as a Naturopath, and am at uni studying midwifery full time.
What has been your favourite derby-related experience to date? Going to The Great Southern Slam in Adelaide last year. Learnt heaps, saw some amazing teams & got my Husband to discover he loves watching the game.
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? Worst derby related injury was after having a bit of rib pain, getting my rib dislocated by a dodgy chiropractor!
What do your family thing about derby? My family thinks I'm a bit nuts (my parents), but my husband and kids are very supportive of me playing because I'm happier when I manage to get to training!
Do you have a derby persona to go with your name? I'm like a semi-Automatic machine gun - fast and brutal.
How did you get into derby? I was introduced to it whilst on a flight to Adelaide, where I met the girls from the NRDL.
Who or what inspires you on and off the track? Any of the girls who play in the WFTDA Nationals, amazing!
What would you say to anyone considering adopting derby into their lives? Be prepared to work and train really hard to get to where you want to be.
What is you worst or most interesting derby-related injury? I currently have a broken ankle, it's awesome.
Who in all of derbydom do you consider your rival? Baroness Von Brutal, I love her to death and I think she is an amazing skater but I'm going to kick her ass when the Smashleys take on the Hell Kittys!
What do you enjoy doing when you're not skating? i enjoy music, reading and watching movies. i also work as a nurse studing to do my endorsed nursing
How long have you been skating? since september 2010
What do your family think about derby? they are proud of me for trying something diffrent but are also waiting for the day they have to come get me from the emergency room
What would you say to anyone considering adopting derby into their lives? derby is the best thing that has everhappend to me and i would say go for it to anyone else concidering joining
February 25 - NRDL Roller Disco
March 17 - Season 1 Bout 1 2012 Hellcats vs Smashleys @ Gateshead Indoor Sportsworld
March 18 - Freshmeat Tryouts
