These Dolls are tough on the track but say even their opponents are friends

Carlie, aka Ziggy Starbuster (centre), has been skating and slamming for 12 years. Photo: Mark Zouroudis.

Roller derby is a rough-and-tumble sport, but skaters in the Steel City Derby Dolls can’t speak highly enough of the friendship and support this activity brings.

It sounds just so darn nice – even if the players go by names like Vishousness, Kitty Killher and Kat O9 Tails.

“Everyone has names to express themselves,” said Axe (derby name Themme Brutale), “and a lot of the names or monikers have themes of brutality or viciousness, but you never really feel hated by anyone.

“And (you feel) elevated by being surrounded by these lovely people, even on the track, even though they are your opponents. Often times we’re having dance battles or hugging it out.

“I really can’t be grateful enough for this community.”

Skaters of all fitness levels, ages, body shapes and genders are welcome at Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby (WIRD, pronounced “weird”).

WIRD’s Steel City Derby Dolls were selected to compete in June at the Great Southern Slam in Adelaide.

WIRD’s president and co-captain Natalie Potter was so proud they were invited to the biennial event, the centrepiece of Australian Roller Derby, which attracted teams from throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The Derby Dolls would have been more comfortable in division three but were bumped up to division two. They were knocked out in the first round and might have been bruised but were definitely not beaten, as the whole experience was uplifting.

“It was hectic, it was crazy,” said one of the youngest skaters, Kalarni, 18, (derby name Rainboom).

“They were just absolutely amazing to watch. So many games and so many tracks; it was so hard to decide which one to watch.

“I was first introduced to this by my mum. She found a Facebook post and I was so thankful for it.

“I was so scared to try a new sport with new people … then I played my first game and it was the most amazing thing. You smack people and get smacked. It’s amazing. It’s everything I look forward to.”

Skaters find a welcoming community with the Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby. Photos: Mark Zouroudis.

Vanessa, aka Vishousness (left), gets into the spirit of the name and game.

Axe, aka Themme Brutale (right), in action.

Rainboom (with the star on her helmet) skates as the jammer for the Steel City Derby Dolls.

Ditzy Chook holds on to teammate Kat O9 Tails (purple) in the heat of the action.

Roller derby is a game of two-minute matchups called jams. Each team sends out five players – a jammer and four blockers. The jammers score a point for each player they pass while the blockers do all they can to stop them.

“There are lots of hip hits and shoulder hits,” explains Carlie (Ziggy Starbuster) who is a veteran of 12 years.

“But there are a lot of rules. Obviously, no tripping, no punching people in the face and nothing with the head.

“A jam lasts for about two minutes and those five come off and the next five go on. It goes on like that until time runs out and the team with the most points wins.”

Carlie recently moved to Nowra to work as a graphic designer for Shoalhaven Tourism but still drives to Wollongong twice a week for training.

”Originally roller derby was a spin-off from wrestling in the 70s. It was all choreographed,” Carlie said.

“But it’s a pretty serious sport now so we pretty much look like any other sporting team. Now we wear a sport singlet with a name and number and, generally, tights. Some people still like to wear fancy sparkly shorts and fishnet stockings but generally it’s just your normal sporting gear.”

Tessha (Rollie Lox) joined in 2022 as part of the “fresh meat” intake.

“I’m not a sporty person but I found a sport that I actually like because it’s not like other sports,” Tessha said.

“It’s very inclusive. You don’t have to be super fit and super buff to be able to play roller derby. I just really enjoy skating. I find it really a very freeing activity.”

Amy (Kranky Crumpet) also described herself as being “hopeless” at sport as a child but now thrives, thanks to the friendships she has forged.

“But I’ve got to be honest, I do love a bit of the aggression as well … but it is safe. There are plenty of rules to make it safe,” Amy said.

“I have pretty severe anxieties. I have panic attack disorder and I find the sport is really great for my ‘fight or flight’ (response) which I live with every day.

“So once I’m out there and I’m playing, I find my worries kind of go away.”

WIRD is looking for a new training venue with a hard wooden or concrete floor. Contact WIRD at [email protected] or via Facebook.