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Robbie Frey
Department
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service / Gympie station 31
Marital Status/Family Details
Married to wife Donna (10 years) with 2 boys - Jack who is 8yo and Mackenzie who is 3yo.
Nickname/s
Butcher Dog/Buzz
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
My son Jacks first triathlon. Lots of personal mile stones, but I know the Tour of Duty run will be hard to beat.
What motivates you?
My family, my work.
Favorite Food
Lamb roast, I love a great steak, Asian, Italian,I love food, I am salivating just writing about it. I also have a major sweet tooth, don’t get me started. Just keep your hands and feet away from my mouth when I am eating.
Most Annoying Habit
Being impatient.
Favorite Movie
Tropic Thunder, Blues Brothers, Pulp Fiction
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Lance Armstrong, President Obama. Lance has been a hero to me on and off the bike and to meet the US president would be a buzz. I have already met FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Jonas and look forward to catching up with him and his firefighters in NY, as well as all the American firefighters and public along the way.
Sporting Interests/Background?
Years of Rugby Union, years of Surf Boat rowing, a bit of boxing, loads of triathlons, running, gym, road cycling and 1 crazy season of rodeo bull riding.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Not sure, but they can borrow my high heels if they like.
Who will “snap” first?
Hopefully the only snapping will be the alligators down south when we run past them.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Robbie Frey - Australia
Leon Colbert - Australia
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Leon Colbert
Department
Queensland Fire & Rescue Services
Marital Status/Family Details
Married to Andrea. We have two children – Miguel & Claudia.
Nickname/s
“Colby”
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
30 Ironman Race finishes. 3 x 10 day adventure races
What motivates you?
Wanting to extract the utmost out of my life, and making my family proud.
Favorite Food
Strawberries & whipped cream, Eggs Benedict
Most Annoying Habit
My bad memory … sorry, what was the question?
Favorite Movie
Bourne Ultimatum/Supremacy
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
I would love to meet my wife and kids at the finish line.
Sporting Interests/Background?
20 years of triathlon/adventure racing/played in 3 premiership winning AFL teams; 5 day Murray River Canoe Race; Wrestling champion (home based event only; so far); curling champion; darts champion; lawn bowls champion; synchronized swimming (individual event only); table tennis grand finalist at local convalescent home – 3 years in a row); snap/card champion (at a family level so far); folk dancing semi finalist (also at a local convalescent home; you have to come and check out Friday nights); French cricket; head cheerleader for local U/10 football side
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Foxy
Who will “snap” first?
My wife (As soon as she reads this!!!)
Ben Schmidt - Australia
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Ben Schmidt
Department
Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
Marital Status/Family Details
Married to Libby. 1 daughter Bailey who turned 18 months old at Christmas
Nickname/s
None printable but currently Forrest (as in Gump . . the whole run across America thing)
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Coaches Award Under 8’s Football; Equal 2nd place – egg and spoon race Grade 3 (I was robbed); an Ironman triathlon finisher; and soon to have run across America with soon to be great mates.
What motivates you?
A challenge and when people say I can’t. This run motivates me differently though. It’s not the run itself but what it represents. It’s an unusual feeling – proud and privileged
Favorite Food
Bangers and mash – it’s the simple things
Most Annoying Habit
I sometimes repeat myself. I sometimes repeat myself
Favorite Movie
Currently Avatar – 3D.
Who would you most like to meet in Australia? Why?
Can’t go past Obama and Lance Armstrong. I’d like to hear what makes them tick
Sporting Interests/Background?
Running, umpiring AFL football (in the NT), triathlons, fly fishing
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Foxy has that covered
Who will “snap” first?
I don’t know about who, but if I was betting on something snapping first I’d have money down on Lionel’s left calf!!!
Nick Beattie - Australia
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Nick Beattie
Department
New South Wales Fire Brigades
Marital Status/Family Details
Married to Michelle. 2 girls – Taylor, 8 and Eryn, 6
Nickname/s
Bugeyes
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Currently: having completed a couple of Ironman Triathlons. Ask me again in NY!
What motivates you?
At the moment I am being inspired and motivated by the amazing courage and commitment of young Australian solo sailor Jessica Watson. An amazing role model who has taken up one of the most challenging adventures possible. A truly outstanding and motivational Australian!!
Favorite Food
All things Italian - pasta, pizza, risotto, antipasto.
Most Annoying Habit
Thinking out loud!
Favorite Movie
Life of Brian
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Not one person specifically. I am more interested in meeting many of our American comrades and hopefully some of the people touched by the tragedy that was September 11.
Sporting Interests/Background?
Cricket, Running, Triathlon
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Russell, but only because he will look so good in them!! The Tiara will showcase his blonde tips beautifully!
Who will “snap” first?
Foxy - The first time someone hides his hairbrush and product!!
Steven Percival - Australia
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Steven Percival
Department
Hobart
Marital Status/Family Details
Divorced, living with partner. Two daughters aged 18/19
Nickname/s
Perc
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Representing Tasmania and doing the best I can at whatever level.
What motivates you?
Living a full life and being a good dad.
Favorite Food
Seriously, all food.
Most Annoying Habit
I’m always right, except when I’m wrong.
Favorite Movie
Shrek movies.
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Survivors of 9/11 so I can hear their story first hand.
Sporting Interests/Background?
Multi sports, triathlons.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Don’t know the team well enough yet; I will let you know after week 1.
Who will “snap” first?
Any non-team player.
Brad Hosking - Australia
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Bradley Hosking
Department
A Platoon Osborne Park Fire Station. West Australian F&RS
Marital Status/Family Details
Married for 14years to Sonja. 2 daughters: Kirra 6 ½ and Jess 5
Nickname/s
Hosko
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
53rd overall, 4th in the 35-39 age group and top 10 overall age group finish at the 2008 Hawaii Ironman World Championship.
What motivates you?
So much to do and so little time to do it all. I refuse to squander the gifts that those not so fortunate would give dearly for.
Favorite Food
Food…Absolutely everything except offally type stuff i.e. liver, tripe, brains etc.
Most Annoying Habit
Maybe a little bit of perfectionist in there somewhere…that hurt to admit that!
Favorite Movie
Saving Private Ryan.
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Tim Allen. I’ve been a fan of his from episode 1 Home Improvement. I think he could have been me or I him, in a former life. I totally related to that show.
Sporting Interests/Background?
31 years of predominantly Aussie Rules football. Surfed since age 14, until taking up triathlon 4 years ago where absolutely every past interest gets shelved in it’s place. They really need to make the day about 30 hours long.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
It won’t be a West Aussie that’s for sure. Odds are definitely favouring the Victorians.
Who will “snap” first?
See above : )
John McGirr - Australia
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Johnny McGirr
Department
Australian Capital Territory
Marital Status/Family Details
Unmarried
Nickname/s
J, McGoo, Hollywood
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Running from Melbourne to Canberra in honour of a fallen firefighter
What motivates you?
Being told I can’t
Favorite Food
Sydney Rock Oysters
Most Annoying Habit
Always being right
Favorite Movie
Braveheart
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Bill Clinton. I have heard he is an excellent conversationalist and an extremely charismatic man. Or Larry David. He is a comical genius.
Sporting Interests/Background?
Rugby League, Cricket, basketball.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
I am hoping to beat Foxy in the evening wear section, I think Benny has me in the swim suit comp so I would have to say Leon.
Who will “snap” first?
The team! As we all snap into gear and perform like the well oiled machine we know we can be.
John Sculley - Australia
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JON SCULLEY.
Fire Brigade
MELBOURNE FIRE BRIGADE
LEADING FIREFIGHTER, NORTHCOTE FIRE STATION.
Nickname/s
SCULL OR JACK
Marital status, family details.
SINGLE
Sporting achievement most proud of.
AROUND AUSTRALIA RUN 1983, GREAT ANZAC RUN GALLIPOLI TO LONDON 2008
Favourite Movie.
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL AND IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER. TWO EXTREMELY DIFFERENT FILMS THAT SPEAK OF INJUSTICE,BELIEF AND COURAGE. INSPIRING AND UPLIFTING FILMS BOTH CENTRED ON REAL LIFE EVENTS.GREAT STORIES VERY WELL TOLD, VERY WELL PRODUCED.
Favourite food.
ANYTHING LAMB, SHANKS WOULD BE THE ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE THEN ROAST,RACK,CUTLETS,CHOPS, CURRY ALSO SEAFOOD, THAI FOOD,INDIAN FOOD,ITALIAN FOOD, SLOW COOKED STEWS.....ANYTHING HOT AND SPICY. RED WINE AND CHEESE,PLATTERS OF CHEESE...AND GOOD COMPANY, GOOD FOOD SHOULD ALWAYS BE A SHARED EXPERIENCE ! IS RED WINE FOOD ? I FORGOT COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE AND MUSIC AND CONVERSATION….....LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL !!!
What motivates you?
MOMENTS AND PEOPLE...SHARING MOMENTS WITH PEOPLE. THE RUN ACROSS AMERICA WILL BE ALL OF THIS.THE INTENTION TO REMEMBER THE PEOPLE THAT GAVE THEIR LIVES,THAT HAD THEIR LIVES TAKEN.FOR ME IT ALSO CELEBRATES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THE PEOPLE THAT SERVE,GLOBALLY IN SO MANY AREAS AND PROFESSIONS,IT IS AN OPPURTUNITY TO SAY THANK YOU, SOMEHOW.I KNOW THIS JOURNEY WILL BE FULL OF MOMENTS, IT ALREADY HAS BEEN, I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING MORE !
Most annoying habit.
DECISION MAKING,I TAKE FOREVER TO MAKE A DECISION....TO THE POINT OF HAPPILY SITTING ON THE FENCE WITH MOST ISSUES.IF SOMETHING IS IMPORTANT TO ME, I WILL JUMP,BUT I WILL THINK VERY LONG AND HARD, AS TO WHERE AND WHEN...................DONT RUSH ME.PLEASE FORGIVE ME.
Who would you most like to meet in the US and Why?
HARD CALL....HUGH JACKMAN ON THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE COMES TO MIND, PERHAPS NO ONE IN PARTICULAR...THE PEOPLE OF THE US,THE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN….. THE PEOPLE WHOSE SERVICE WE ARE CELEBRATING, THE PEOPLE OF THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION,MORE CARING AND SINCERE PEOPLE YOU COULD NEVER MEET, ABSOLUTE GEMS !!! THE MOST ENLIGHTENING MOMENTS CAN BE FOUND IN THE MOST UNLIKELY OF PLACES AND PEOPLE. JUST LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL OF THAT UNFOLDING, AND TAKING IT ALL IN, ONE DAY AT A TIME.
Sporting interests/background. MAINLY AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL.ALSO CRICKET,TENNIS,CYCLING AND OF COURSE RUNNING.WOULD ALWAYS PREFER TO PARTICIPATE THAN SPECTATE BUT VERY MUCH ENJOY WATCHING THE WORLDS BEST IN ACTION.LOVE WATCHING THE TOUR DE FRANCE...MORE THAN JUST A SPORTING EVENT, A CARNIVAL, A CIRCUS,HOPE TO BE THERE IN THE FLESH SOMEDAY.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
NO DOUBT THERE WILL BE CONTENDERS,I'M HOPING IT'S VERY RARELY WORN,BUT IT WILL BE WORN..........IF THERE IS JUSTICE IT WILL BE SHARED AROUND EQUALLY...ALTHOUGH FOXY WILL LOVE THE TIARA. ( I JUST GOT OFF THE FENCE )
Who will “snap” first?
WITHOUT QUESTION THOSE THAT SPEND TIME IN MY COMPANY, WAITING FOR A DECISION ..................................... FOR THEIR SAKES, I PRAY IT IS NOT A DECISION THAT IS OF IMPORTANTANCE TO ME ! PATIENCE WILL BE TESTED.
Marc Bradley - Australia
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Marc Bradley
Department
MFB – Melbourne
Marital Status/Family Details
Married to Denise. 3 children: Ariane – 22years, Jack – 12 years, Emma – 8 years
Nickname/s
Braddas
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
The Gallipoli run 2008. Footy Premierships. Representing MFB in World Police Fire Games 1995
What motivates you?
I have a passion for anything relating to sport and the challenges associated with it. The run in itself represents a huge challenge, and the reasons behind it is something that has touched all of us in some way.
Favorite Food
Roast Lamb
Most Annoying Habit
Most annoying habit Cleaning the kitchen before my wife has finished the meal preparation!!
Favorite Movie
Shawshank Redemption
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Without a doubt Muhammad Ali – my sporting hero
Sporting Interests/Background?
Running, AFL football, cricket, keeping fit
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Foxy will certainly look the best in it.
Who will “snap” first?
I’ll sit on the fence.
Michael Jones - Australia
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Michael Jones
Department
CFA, Frankston Fire Brigade
Marital Status/Family Details
Married (wife-Janelle) Son (Liam 2 & a half years old)
Nickname/s
'Jonesy' .......A lot of thought went into this nickname.
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Sporting achievement most proud of Representing NSW Country School Boys Rugby Union team to tour New Zealand.
What motivates you?
My friends and family motivate me to achieve more and enjoy life. What motivates me to run and exercise is so I can eat lots of food and drink beer.
Favorite Food
Anything Wifey cooks for me or 'Pho' (Vietnamese Beef & Rice noodle soup from my favourite restaurant in Springvale)
Most Annoying Habit
A mild dose of OCD.
Favorite Movie
"Star Wars IV - A New Hope". It was the first movie I saw on the big screen at Noosa Drive-In back in 1977, seen it many times since...... I love it!!!!!!!!
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Clint Eastwood, I think he is an amazing actor and a very skilled director. To me he is a very well balanced guy in such a topsy-turvy profession. I would love to have his energy and enthusiasm in my later years.
Sporting Interests/Background?
Rugby Union, motorcycle riding, touch rugby, running (obviously), a little bit of cycling and I am also an avid armchair sportsman.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
I nominate Johnny McGirr. My reasoning behind this is that whilst on the David Balfour Run he looked pretty good in a mini skirt and blonde wig, so a tutu is right up his alley.
Who will “snap” first?
Oh, that's easy. It would be me. Refer to annoying habits for explanation.
Mike Tagell - Australia
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Michael Tagell
Department
South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service
Marital Status/Family Details
Single , one beautiful daughter Lauren
Nickname/s
Tbird
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Winning age groups at Australian Ironman Triathlon and 3rd place in age group at Hawaiin Ironman triathlon.
What motivates you?
To be the best you can be at what ever you try
Favorite Food
Any food but especially seafood
Most Annoying Habit
Being a messy eater, told I talk while eating too but don’t ask questions I say!!
Favorite Movie
Animal House, Forrest Gump
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Dave Scott he is my sporting hero!
Sporting Interests/Background?
Australian rules footy, Surfing, Squash, Triathlons, Cycling and Running
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina's tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Foxy
Who will "snap" first?
Foxy
Paul Buttifant - Australia
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Paul Buttifant
Melbourne Fire Brigade – 25 yr
Marital Status/Family Details
Married to Kathy for 21 years, 2 Children - Thomas 16yrs and Kate 14yrs
Nickname/s
Butters
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Well I have a couple of obscure Premierships in cricket and football in the past, a mixed tennis title with my daughter and I'm hoping that this endeavour will be right up there.
What motivates you?
My family, friends, keeping active and healthy
Favorite Food
Szechuan Prawns... anything spicy
Most Annoying Habit
Losing things, wallet, phone, keys!
Favorite Movie
The Deer Hunter
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Losing things, wallet, phone, keys!
Sporting Interests/Background?
Barack Obama. Might as well start at the top, if he is not available, my nephew is attending Uni. in Beaumont Texas, apparently we run through there.
Sporting interests/background?
AFL, cricket, tennis, athletics, horse racing, these days my kid's sports are taking precedence
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Whilst Foxy will be the short price favourite, my tip is a princess-free trip, the U.S desert will be no place for prima donnas!
Who will "snap" first?
That's easy... whoever has to sit next to Foxy on the flight over to L.A!
Paul Ritchie - Australia
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Paul Ritchie
Department
Melbourne Fire Brigade
Marital Status/Family Details
Single. 3 awesome children: Jackson 17, Lachlan 15 , and my little Angel Molly 4
Nickname/s
" Lionel " who would of guessed having last name of Ritchie!
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Watching my 2 heroes [Sons] playing football and win their Grand Finals the same day!
The 1991 Guinness World Record Nonstop Relay Run, around Australia on Highway One
17,500km in 50 days for Cystic Fibrosis.
What motivates you?
My Children, Life! Having people tell you it can’t be done! Achieving the impossible, Making dreams become reality, my work and The Tour Of Duty run and its association with the values it represents, mateship, humanity and honour.
Favorite Food
I’m with Tom Cruise - you can’t pass a Lamb Roast and Veggies! Porterhouse Steak with béarnaise sauce and a glass of Red! Pasta - anything the Italians cook is awesome!
Most Annoying Habit
Waking up from great sleep and realizing it was me who was snoring!
Favorite Movie
It has to be the Hang Over!! The Shawshank Redemption, and ... Top Gun !
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
The people of America, the Firefighters, Police and emergency service workers, and share their motivation and passion.
If President Obama, Michael Jordan, or Jerry Seinfeld is free, I would be Happy to share a Latte and a chat! And when Tiger comes back, walk the fairways and a game of Golf .
Sporting Interests/Background?
Running, golf, swimming and watching my Boys and their sports
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
What I’m concerned about is who would be caught wearing a Tiara and Ballerina`s tutu - now that’s a little suspect ! ........... Johnny McGirr
Who will “snap” first?
Peter Morris - alias Zoomer!!! By the time the U.S media swarm him he`ll be in need for more than one cold Budweiser!!! Go get ‘em Zoomer.
Rachel Cowling - Australia
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Rachel Cowling
Department
Metropolitan Fire Brigade Melbourne
Marital Status/Family Details
Single
Nickname/s
Cowza and princess rabbit
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Coaching the U/12 boys to a Victoria Basketball Championship on the buzzer.
What motivates you?
This run motivates me. The chance to honour all of the fallen men and women of the emergency services.
Favorite Food
Nana's Roast and my other nana's stew.
Most Annoying Habit
I can never make it anywhere on time.
Favorite Movie
The Notebook, Shawshank Redemption and Dirty Dancing
Who would you most like to meet in Australia? Why?
Hugh Jackman.... Do I need to say more? Lance Armstrong, as he is such an inspirational athlete.
Sporting Interests/Background?
Played junior Footy, I also play Netball, Basketball and love my waterskiing.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Plugga, and Foxy will fight him for it.
Who will “snap” first?
I agree with Ben, Lionel's calf.
Russell Fox - Australia
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Russell Fox
Department
Melbourne Metro Fire Brigade
Marital Status/Family Details
Have 2 daughters
Nickname/s
Foxy
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Race motocross from a young age and did ok for many years.
What motivates you?
My daughters motivate me.
Favorite Food
Subway
Most Annoying Habit
Trying to get everyone on time.
Favorite Movie
mad max
Sporting Interests/Background?
V8 super cars and motocross.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Apparently me. These guys have no idea!!
Who will “snap” first?
Not me, have been on to many of these missions and know better, unless we are not on time of course.
Tony Martin - Australia
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Tony Martin
Department
Melbourne Fire Brigade
Marital Status/Family Details
Single. Four fantastic, awesome, adorable, energetic, sporty, fun loving kids: Bradley 15, Jason 13, Kelly 12 and Rachel 9
Nickname/s
Plugger
Sporting Achievement Most Proud Of
Being part of the team which completed the 1991 Guinness World Record Non stop Relay run, around Australia on Highway One. 17,500km in 50 days for Cystic Fibrosis.
What motivates you?
My Children, my family, my friends, my passion, my heart.
Favorite Food
Mexican, Pasta
Most Annoying Habit
I'll let my mates be the judge on this one. :-)
Favorite Movie
Happy Gilmour, The Lake House, Apocalypse Now
Who would you most like to meet in the US? Why?
Bruce Springsteen.. "The Boss" .... Loved his music all my life, been to his concerts here. Would be incredible if I could shake his hand. 'The Tour of Duty' team ARE 'Born to Run' :-)
Sporting Interests/Background?
Running, love it. (Marathons being the longest distance I have run, completed 20) Australian Rules Football & Cricket (played both when younger, now a passionate supporter of the mighty Saints)... My main sporting interest now is: Watching my kids play their various sports which are Footy, Tennis, Cricket & little Athletics.
Who is going to spend the most time wearing the Tiara and ballerina’s tutu for being the biggest princess during the run?
Foxy .... I can only select one of the Melbourne guys as I know them quite well. My interstate mates will be good as gold :-)
Who will "snap" first?
Foxy again as we will be picking on his photogenic appearance quite often. No, only joking. No-one will snap as whatever problem presents itself, we will fix it or overcome it as a team.
