My favourite memory of Andrew is the Sunday night in Perth (well it was probably Monday morning by then) where we convinced him to go back to his hotel and wake up everyone there to bring them back to the skate bowl for drunken knife fights.  Unfortunately we managed to lose all the balls very quickly so we just threw bottles of water at Rob instead.  Andrew also designed a team shirt that comes close to ours for inappropriateness.  Nice work!  Here’s a little more about Andrew.

City:  Adelaide, Australia

Team:  Happy Endings

Years played:  Three years

Super power:  Destroying bikes

Favourite heckle: Steve:  ”I know that bike can go faster”

Bike:  Kona (bad bike is bad), freewheel with dual brake and 29:18 ratio

Mallet:  Northern Standard shaft with uncapped head with side cut outs

Protection:  Shin guards, elbow guards and brain bucket

What do you love most about bike polo?
Andrew didn’t answer this question so I’m going to say he meant to put “Anyone that comes from Sydney”.  Thanks Andrew!

By Virginia Castellan

If you missed our last player profile on Andy Balcar, you can access it here.

Locky is possibly the most misunderstood player in the whole of Australasia.  People have accused him of being rough but the amount of players that have thrown their faces into his mallet beggars belief.  There must be at least 6 of these just in Sydney. Come on people!  Isn’t about time we left him alone?  His mallets can’t take the punishment any more.  Here’s a little more about Locky.

City:  Sydney

Team:  Love Sex Violence (aka LSV)

Years played:  5 years

Super power:  The Malletinator!

Favourite heckle: Get your face outta my mallet

Bike:  Jamis Dragon, freewheel with back disc brake and 32:18 ratio

Mallet:  Ski pole with 3pmh head

Protection:  Gloves, knee pads

What do you love most about bike polo?
Yeah! A sport I can play and still drink and smoke!

By Virginia Castellan

If you missed our last player profile on Ash Manson, you can access it here.

The first time Daniel ever came to polo he turned up with a camera and a bike that had gold rims.  My first thoughts were (a) he’s never going to get on the court, and (b) he’s probably never coming back.  Happily, I was wrong on both counts. He came back and he is one of our most committed players and, more importantly, one of our best hecklers.  Here’s a little more about Daniel.

City:  Sydney, Australia

Team: The UnaPOLOgetics

Years played: Around 6 months

Super power: Thor’s Hammer

Favourite heckle: Do a flip!

Bike: Eighth Inch, fixed with rear brake with 34:19  gangsta shit

Mallet: Ski pole with uncapped head head with side cut outs

Protection: Dragon skin

What do you love most about bike polo?
Heckling Brook

By Virginia Castellan

If you missed our last player profile on Glenn Sunkel you can access it here.

I have always been impressed by the fact that Craig plays on a DMR.  My first polo bike was a DMR Sidekick.  I loved that bike so much (still do!) but I eventually realised I loved it too much to keep playing polo on.  Craig told me once that when he put the track drop outs on it felt like he was cutting into a child.  He’s much braver than I am.

Owner: Craig Johnston

City: Christchurch, New Zealand

Frame/Fork: DMR Switchback with Kona jump forks

Bars/Stem: Squarebuilt

Seat/Post: WTB Rocket / Salsa “shaft”

Pedals: Shimano clipless

Cranks/BB/Chain ring:  MKE Pologuard, Origin 8 165mm cranks

Sprocket: 22T white industries

Brakes: Paul Comp duplex to Paul Motolites

Wheels: 36h chukker to surly hubs

Why did you choose this bike?
I purchased this frame new in 2002 and it’s been a staple for all sorts of riding since.  I added the dropouts for polo.

How long have you played on this bike for? Have you played on anything else?
One and a half years.  before that I had a Specialized Hardrock mid 90s thing

What are the best things about your bike?
Steep headtube angle, fits great, it’s steel!

What are the worst things about your bike? What would you change?
Shorter chain stays, the rest is sweet Bro!

By Virginia Castellan

Photographs by Richard Brown and Virginia Castellan

If you missed checking out Danny’s bits, you can get a look at them here.