Interview with Australian Men’s Star Andrew Thomason

1 – Can you give us a bit of a background of your Dodgeball playing career, and how you ended up representing your country?

I started playing about 5-6 years ago just filling in for a mate’s team in a local social league. From my very first throw I fell in love with the game. About a year later trials came up for the Australian team and I thought I would try my luck at it and I was selected!

2 – Any highlights from your international career? Best games etc?

My best highlight from my career would have to be the quarter finals against Northern Ireland in the 2016 World Cup. There were a couple of games where I was last person left in a 2 vs. 1 and I managed to win both games. The response from my team and the crowd was something I will always remember.

3 – You’re one of the most exciting players we’ve seen in Dodgeball. So much so that a highlight video of some your ridiculous catches from the 2017 APC went viral. How’d that feel to see a clip of you playing viewed by so many people? (https://www.facebook.com/bestofdodgeball/videos/368641600251078/)

To be honest, it made me feel a little bit like a celebrity! I love those high-pressure moments and the focus that comes with that allows me to pull of some amazing plays like those catches.

4 – What’s your workout routine and training like in preparation for the 2018 Dodgeball World Cup? Any tips you can lend to aspiring dodgeball players?

I have a busy schedule in terms of training. I am at the gym minimum 3 times a week working on fitness and rehab on my shoulder to make sure it stays at the strength I need it to be. I’m also playing dodgeball 2-3 times a week as well as Aus. team training in between.
Tips to give: Dodgeball is such a demanding sport, the toll it can take on your body is massive so making sure you are stretching properly and maintaining some sort of rehab to make sure you properly recover.

5 – How does it feeling knowing that in a few weeks you’ll be playing in one of the most famous stadiums in the world, Madison Square Garden?

I don’t think the reality of it has set in yet. I’m sure once I set foot inside the stadium I will be lost for words. The chance to represent my country in a sport that I love on one of the biggest stages in the world is such an amazing honour.

6 – One of the core beliefs of the Asian Dodgeball Federation is our #StrongerTogether campaign. So we’d love for you to share your thoughts on who you believe some of the best players in Asia-Pacific are. Who should we be looking out for?

Wow this is a tough question as there is so many amazing players, seeing how much dodgeball has progressed over the last few years has given so many players a chance to expand their amazing talents. I do have a soft spot for the Malaysians though, especially Heidy, Vernon and Austin. Their tenacity and ferocity on court always makes for an intense game, but their humbleness off court is always an inspiration.

7 – Any predictions for Australia at the World Cup? Can the Dodgeroo’s Women defend their title?

Of course, I would love to see Australia come home with 1st place in all divisions. The talent of all the countries involved this year we will have our work cut out for us. I think that England will be a tough opponent again, they have always been a tough team to beat and seeing how they have played in past tournaments they are looking very strong.

8 – How do you think the other Asia-Pacific nations will go at the World Cup? Any nation you’d like to single out for being a favourite for success on this stage?

If Australia doesn’t manage to take out the world cup title, I think that Malayasia will be Asia-Pacifics best chance. They have been training consistently since the Asia Pacific Championships, and if their form is anything like the finals of the APC they will have a very good chance.

Lastly some fun questions!

10 – Where is the best place to eat in Australia? And what’s your favourite Australian dish?

I love a good steak and one of the best I have had is at the meat and wine co. And my favourite Aussie dish is vegemite and cheese on toast.

11 – Which country in Asia-Pacific has the best food? Which dish is the best?

I haven’t visited many Asia-Pacific countries so its hard to say which one has the best food. But since our recent trip to Malaysia Char Kway Teow is the best so far.