Skater of the Month - Fraggle Block

NAME: Fraggle Block

NUMBER: 213

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I wanted to join up for ages, wanted to get to know some new people, but always somehow just missed fresh meat. Finally my friend from work more or less hounded me into attending the final fresh meat session of our intake after I said I wanted to do it.

Tell us about your name and number.

I’m probably the least imaginative person ever so it was really hard for me to come up with a name. I spent ages thinking about stuff that goes with my name but then after going through tonnes of ideas (I think I needed my bout tops ordered and was nameless) Fraggle Block just came out and it made me laugh so I kept it. My number is 213 which is for February 2013 which is when I met my boyfriend Jack.

What is your skate gear of choice?

My skates are Reidell R3s with poisons on the inside wheels. I started off on Reidell Volts and their original set up and promised myself that I would pass all my minimum skills on my second hand skates with the baldest wheels ever before letting myself buy decent ones, which I did.

Before you discovered roller derby were you involved in any other sports/exercise, and if yes how has derby impacted on this?

I'm not hugely sporty and this was another reason I wanted to start playing roller derby, to improve on my fitness and find a form of exercise that I actually enjoy.

What is your position of choice?

I'm probably more suited to being a blocker, and I'm strongest on the outside line as I have more confidence and balance there. I love jamming but need to tighten it up because I usually spend more time in the bin than on track.

Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?

I haven't been lucky enough to bout yet so no pre-bout ritual - other than buying cake, and the after party is standard practice.

How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?

Although not a signature move I suppose I would say I spring back, no matter how hard I'm hit or how badly I deck it I am usually back up and running a second or two later.

What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?

I deal with third party complaints for an energy company in Perth, and because I sometimes work longer shifts I'm usually late for Wednesday training and have to catch up with warm up. Roller derby has had a bigger effect on my life than I ever expected: I've met loads of amazing people, I exercise - and like it! – and am a bit more appreciative of my health. It is helping me stop smoking, and just look after myself a bit better in general.

Favourite motivational quote?

“I think I can”. Casey Jones, Dumbo

Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?

I would like to nominate Jess Little for skater of the month. She’s an amazing communicator and loads of fun to be on track with. She’s an epic jammer and really focused on the game, making sure she brings out the best in everyone. She also has a lovely bum.