We sit down to have a chat with Andrew Thomason, vice-captain of the Men’s Dodgeroos squad from 2015 – 2016. Having earned 19 caps for Australia, the Darebin Drop Bears captain gives us an insight into why he’s so passionate about the game, and life off the court. 
Personal Life |
Favourite sports?
Dodgeball, Basketball, Tennis and NRL.
Sportsperson you love / loved watching the most?
Johnathan Thurston of the North QLD Cowboys (NRL). His dedication to the game and his spirit is truly inspirational.
First job held?
Started as a wash up kid at the local butcher’s, part-time when I was 15.
Current occupation?
Qualified Carpenter.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would probably describe me as competitive. I tend to make a competition out of any situation. But I have been known to kick the balls.
Favourite food?
Cereal cause breakfast foods are good all day round.
Favourite TV show?
The Office (US).
Favourite quote?
“I want people to be afraid of how much they love me” – Michael Scott
Your most annoying habits?
Biting my nails.
A household chore you hate?
Washing the dishes
On The Court |
How long have you been playing dodgeball? 
I started playing around 3 years, two to three times a week.
What’s your favourite training drill?
Using resistance bands for strength and speed on the opening rush.
Being a member and vice-captain of the 2016 Men’s Dodgeroos squad, how did you find your time in Manchester at the World Cup?
Playing in Manchester was an eye opening experience. To see the level of talent across the countries competing and to meet other players as passionate about the sport as the Dodgeroos were, the organisation of the event and the venue was professionally run and executed well.
Were you satisfied with your team’s performance?
The team fought hard and I feel we showed the world what the Aussie men could do under pressure, and on such a massive scale.
Who was your toughest opponent in Manchester?
Going into the competition we knew that England were going to be a fierce competitor and they helped to push us to our limits. They had really good teamwork and their on court presence was just too much for us to conquer. I can see a strong rivalry coming from this and hope to give England a run for their money in 2018.
Favourite teammate in the Men’s Dodgeroos? 
Dillon, our Coach and our King.
Most annoying teammate in the Men’s Dodgeroos?
Dillon, because he is the King.
Describe the moment the Men’s Dodgeroos were crowned 2015 Asian Champions against Malaysia.
Malaysia were such a competitive team. This was a very exciting moment because we knew we had qualified for the Manchester World Cup. It was also great to come out of the Championship with such strong friendships with players from each of the teams that attended.
Best moment in your international dodgeball career?
My favourite memory would be the Manchester World Cup Quarter Final against Northern Ireland. On two occasions I was the last player on court – these sets were one verses two and one verse three. I won both sets to help the team win and go into the Semi Final. It was an awesome feeling.
Do you have any pre-game rituals before a big match?
I usually listen to Breakdown of Sanity to calm me, and help get myself into the right frame of mind.
What are your future goals and ambitions in dodgeball? 
I have begun training to ensure my fitness stays on track for ADPL and for the selections process that will come for the next Asian Championships and World Cup in New York 2018. Further down the track I would like to coach, I feel that my knowledge and skills could help future players and teams.
The ADPL is a new high performance domestic league. What are you most looking forward to about the ADPL?
I enjoyed playing in Manchester using the same WDA rules and balls. It will be exciting to see this new dynamic of dodgeball be brought to Melbourne, as well as introducing this game to new and existing players, alongside the coaching and mentoring of existing Dodgeroos team members.
Who’s a player/s we should look out for in your team?
We have a few “standouts” on our team, Emma has a throw that will make you think you have been hit by a “Dropbear”, and watch out for Alicia’s clutch moments, her ability to catch that game changing ball that leaves players thinking…how? Not to mention the rest of our team of organised rogues.
What are your expectations for the Darebin Drop Bears?
Having strong and experienced players on our team will definitely help our chances of making the top half. With the skills and experience of two Dodgeroos team members, I’m sure our team will be able to adapt to the ADPL game quickly, making us a force to be reckoned with.
Pre-season predictions?
From seeing the team lists so far the playing field seems pretty even, given the teams have experience and skills throughout. A lot of the players have played together in social dodgeball and it will be interesting to see how these players mesh as a team at a high level of competition.