With the regular season wrapped up, Adelaide Roller Derby (ADRD) is now prepping for its Grand Final event at Adelaide Showground this weekend (31 July).
The action will see all four squads participate with Mile Die Club and Road Train Rollers to meet in the major bout – the winner to be crowned 2021 champion.Salty Dolls and Wild Hearses will also battle each other with bragging rights (till next season begins) on the line.
However, given the current SA lockdown the status of the ADRD Grand Final is uncertain. Keep up to date via ADRD's socials.
A safe space for the LGBT+ community, Adelaide Roller Derby is a great way to spend an afternoon and evening with a family-friendly atmosphere, alongside the fierce competition on the track.
The players as well as the diverse crowd and commentators all contribute to the fun of the event. "Adelaide Roller Derby was established in 2007 and is Adelaide's oldest and largest roller derby league," ADRD says.
"If there's one thing we love, it's talking derby! Our league is a not-for-profit organisation that is owned and operated by the ADRD skaters and officials.
"We are super-proud of the community we have built for ourselves and are really grateful to all our supportive family and friends who cheer us on from the sidelines.
"We are also very fortunate to have the support of our sponsors, who have been fantastic at helping us get where we are today.
"If you're new to the world of roller derby, never fear, it's heaps of fun to play and just as much fun to watch. Come along to our next bout and find out for yourself."
If you're interested in lacing up your skates and joining the action next year, ADRD will host an info night at Wheatsheaf Hotel 5 August. More information.
Here, we profile Road Train Rollers team member Crush'er Ramone.
Who is Crush'er Ramone... I have been an ADRD member since 2015 and roll with the Road Train Rollers and Adeladie's rep team.
My role... To destroy souls on the track hahaha. Blocker/ pivot and a sneaky jam every now and then.
My first roller derby bout was... With Murder City roughly nine years ago.
When did you settle on your roller derby name, and was it a unanimous decision... I knew what I wanted before I started Fresh Meat! Big Ramones fan.
Social media is... Addictive.
My favourite app at the moment is... Spotify. I listen to music every chance I get. I love making playlists for all occasions.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Falling on my ass in the middle of skate out at a public bout, haha.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be the team’s spokesperson... Zoë Bell 'cause she's an absolute bad-ass.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Corey Taylor – my favourite vocalist. He would need his bring his guitar.
Phil Daru – Phil is strength and conditioning coach well known for working with MMA athletes and trains my favourite UFC fighter, Dustin Poirier. I would love to hear all about his career and training methods.
Joey Wright – Joey is a mate I met at my gym, basketball coach and one of the best people I've met. I could have him over for dinner anytime but I love our banter, jokes and chats about life, sport, and food. That's a must for a dinner party.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Tacos. Easiest way to cater for all dietary requirements.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover. Except rats. I have had pugs for many years and absolutely adore them.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... PEAQ 5:30am this morning for a recovery session then back after work at 6pm for a lift. I'm lucky my gym offers amazing coaches, programming and also recovery options such as sauna and contrast therapy.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing and hanging socks.
Do you have any phobias? Feet. Do not touch me with your feet.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Possibly. If it was about roller derby, yes.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Myself and my gym buddies Cakes and Timmy prank each other for fun. Usually things like moving weights off the bar, hiding drink bottles and silly things like that.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? My work mate Clara has compared me to Buttercup from 'The Powerpuff Girls' 'cause she's the toughest fighter and bit of a bad-ass. Also the bangs.
Last show you binge-watched? Currently binge-watching 'Schitt's Creek'. I love how the characters can be so frustrating and hilarious at the same time.
