The 2022 Adelaide Roller Derby season is reaching the mid-point as the next bout looms between the Road Train Rollers (four wins) versus Wild Hearses (two wins).
Fresh from The Great Southern Slam (11-13 June) where the ADRD Ads made it to the Division One TGSS Grand Final, where they were beaten by the Victorian Roller Derby League's Lightning squad, Adelaide Roller Derby is a safe and empowering space for the community.Roller derby is a great way to spend an afternoon and evening with a family-friendly atmosphere, building community and creating positive change, alongside the fierce competition on track.
Here, we profile referee member Thrashin' Pop.
Who is Thrashin' Pop... I have been involved with roller derby for around seven years now, initially starting the sport as a 'fresh freshie', as in I had never worn roller skates before. I started within a league called the Rockabella's Roller Derby League and now have been a member with Adelaide Roller Derby for three years going into my fourth.
I was lucky enough pre-COVID to be skating with our B team which meant I was able to travel with the team outside of South Australia for tournaments. Outside of derby, I'm a new graduate dental hygienist working within the Adelaide Hills and living with my best friend (and fellow skater) Ezekill (Erin).
My role... This year I have transitioned into a new role as a referee. Previously I skated with the Salties for two years and the Wild Hearses for one. Learning to be a ref has been the biggest learning curve; turns out I don't know the rules as well as I thought – it's so much more intense watching from the outside.
My first roller derby bout was... In early 2015. I watched the Salties plays the Mile Die Club at an ADRD event just after I had joined. I played (fumbled through) my first game in late 2015 with the Rockabellas and Light City Derby.
When did you settle on your roller derby name, and was it a unanimous decision? It did take me a while to come up with a name; coincidently at the time I attended a party with passion pop as my drink of choice for the night.
A fellow skater suggested 'Thrashin' pop' and it kinda just stuck as I am partial to the delicious flavour that is pop and I'm an absolute pop baby in terms of music. It has been shortened now to Trashy or Trash.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Summer from 'Rick and Morty'; she's funny, always up for an adventure and sassy, headstrong character.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... This morning, I love training weights.
Social media is... Scary.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I played my first game at the Showground with ADRD and I fell flat on my face during warm-up. I wasn't in contact with anyone simply skating forward and stacked it hard, winding myself before even playing.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be the team's spokesperson? Lady Gaga.
My favourite app at the moment is? Spotify. I have all sorts of music playing 90 per cent of the day.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party? Doja Cat, Rihanna, Beyonce.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Spicy tofu laksa.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? BIGGEST LOVER! Dogs especially hold a special spot in my heart (shoutout to my furbaby Tex).
Last show you binge-watched? 'Killing Eve'. Sandra Oh is brilliant.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing 100 per cent; it's the worst – so much waiting.
Do you have any phobias? Heights. I get the wobbly knees and sweats going.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Heck yeah, I think I have a pretty good sense of humour and would want to make everyone laugh at my dorkiness.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? My best friend Erin (also my roommate). Erin is easily pranked, so it could be something very simple like swapping out the toothpaste for mayonnaise.
Adelaide Roller Derby 2022 Season
Sat 25 Jun - Wild Hearses v Road Train RollersSat 9 Jul - Salties v Mile Die Club
Sat 6 Aug - Grand Final Double Header
