As the 2021 Adelaide Roller Derby (ADRD) season heads towards the Grand Final (to be staged 31 July), the final bout of the year takes place this weekend.
Wild Hearses will take on Mile Die Club at Adelaide Showground (10 July, 6pm) with plenty of awe-inspiring performances on display from the dedicated skaters.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."
Here, we profile Wild Hearses player MagiCAss.
Who is MagiCAss... I discovered roller derby when I was about 6 months pregnant with my son (now 11). It was the ADRD Grand Final and I instantly fell in love. As soon as I was able, I strapped on some skates and eventually joined ADRD in 2013.
My role... Is usually to hold the inside line and then make holes for my jammer. I'm becoming known for my big hits and strong core; it takes a lot to knock me over.
My first roller derby bout... Was at TGSS in 2012! I was skating for Light City Derby and we were so fresh we didn't even know how to go to the penalty box. It was a bit of a disaster, but so much fun.
When did you settle on your roller derby name, and was it a unanimous decision... It is basically my first and last names around the wrong way (Cassie Magin = MagiCAss). The additional capital is to make it a little cheeky (pun intended). Many of my friends call me Cassaroll though.
Social media is... Probably my biggest addiction. Just. Can’t. Stop.
My favourite app at the moment is... ABC Listen. I'm a bit of a news nerd and listen to as much news and talk back as I do music. And I love music!
Growing up, Dad would always listen to ABC 891 and I'm proud to say I carry this torch since he's been gone. I endure endless ribbing from my pals and children for it, but they can't deny they learn things when I refuse to change the station.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... When I realised that I was dating a girl who had dated a guy who had dated my mum. Thanks Adelaide and your two degrees of separation! Needless to say, that relationship pretty much ended there.
What celebrity/famous person would you love to be the team's spokesperson... We don't need a famous spokesperson, our boutfits are loud enough!
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Daniel Johns, so I can listen to his dulcet tones while we discuss anything and everything, and the meaning of life. Claudio Sanchez, so I can introduce him to Daniel and hopefully watch some beautiful music happen before my eyes. And Drew Barrymore, just because.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Probably chicken schnitzel with mashed potato and gravy, or butter chicken. And then something smothered in caramel.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Arthur (tuxedo cat), Tabitha (ginger girl) and Marshall (Bengal cross) will tell you I'm very much a cat mum.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... This morning at 5.50am! I'm one of those crazy F45ers.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Folding and putting away laundry. The never ending chore that is laundry.
Do you have any phobias... please explain? I really hate flying, but I do it a fair bit (when we're allowed!). It's a completely irrational fear with no real cause. I don't particularly enjoy being in vehicles driven by others, so I guess it's just an extreme version of that.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Probably not! Maybe a game show; I always loved 'The Price Is Right'.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? One hundred per cent not my style. I'm more likely to be the one sending them flowers or buying them something special I know they'll love, just because.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Every single character in 'Sense8', with a little Nancy Price Botwin on the side.
Last show you binge-watched? I watched 'Feel Good' in two days, while having to also go to work! Just. Couldn't. Stop. Lots of things the main character had gone through were relatable, and I loved the raw, realness of her.
Adelaide Roller Derby continues at Adelaide Showground 10 July; with the 2021 Grand Final (to feature all four squads) to take place at the same venue 31 July. Don't forget to find your ugliest Christmas sweater as well for the Christmas in July Roller Disco at Ingle Farm Recreation Centre (Adelaide) 24 July.
