As we roll toward the pointy end of the Adelaide Roller Derby (ADRD) 2019 season, the race for taking out top spot in the rankings inevitably heats up.
To keep things warm and fuzzy, we had two ADRD skaters trade in their wheels and have a crack at interviewing one another in order to give an insider's view of the game.
Here, Girl Rex Door from Mile Die Club and Yellin' Rage from Wild Hearses answer each other's questions about their love for ADRD, strategy for wining bouts and why you should make time to check out these incredible women on wheels.
Rage answering Rex's questions
What made you first fall in love with roller derby?I watched ‘Whip It' and later discovered roller derby was a real thing that really happens in Adelaide and that it was the coolest, most exciting, most empowering sport ever.
What is your favourite thing to do for a pre-bout routine?
I like to watch high-level roller derby games on YouTube followed by a nap (hoping to absorb some derby magic).
How regularly do you wash your derby gear?
I’ve washed my gear exactly twice (I’ve replaced most of my gear more than I’ve washed it) in my almost four years of derby. But I use a scented anti-bacterial spray after every training to keep my stuff from getting too stanky.
What do you think is your secret weapon move on the track?
I’m not sure I have a signature move (yet), but there is no limit to how many times I will spin around to try get past a blocker.
When you’re not rolling around the track like a boss, what do you do with your spare time?
I spend most of my free time watching TV (almost finished bingeing season three of 'Jessica Jones'). But in between screen time I like playing the ukulele, singing, and I’ve just taken up swing dancing.
Rex answering Rage's questions
How has derby changed since you started playing?Hoo boy! Derby has changed quite a bit since I started back in 2011. Back then there were two whistles that started the jam (instead of one), knee starts (to help get the game going quickly) and one-minute penalties, as well as major and minor penalties.
I definitely think the gameplay has improved over the years I’ve been playing — but I do not envy the refs, who seem to need to learn a new set of rules almost every year.
If you could be any other skater in the league, who would it be and why?
There are so many amazing skaters in the league that it’s hard to pick just one, but at the moment I wish I could skate like Invader Scrim from the Road Train Rollers. She is a fantastic jammer that seems to be able to get through the smallest of holes, jump the apex with ease, and twist and bend her body out of the way of the blockers. In short, she is the best.
What music would be on your derby pump-up playlist?
I actually don’t listen to anything before a game; I get really nervous before every bout and I'm often too anxious to listen to anything. But if I was making a pump-up playlist it would almost certainly be various songs from 'Muppet Movie' soundtracks interspersed with ‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift.
What should fans look out for at our next game?
I think it’s going to be a really fun bout. There are going to be lots of big hits and amazing skaters doing their thing. It will be a great chance to support your two fave teams.
What’s your top tip for someone coming along to watch their first derby game?
Bring a cushion and rug up. It can get pretty cold at the Showground in that big shed. And don’t forget to show your support for one of the amazing teams. The best colours to wear are red, black and leopard print.
