Red Dog AOTM – How Does It Feel?
Deeply grateful.
This squad is stacked with talent, so any recognition within this group feels significant. Rubbing shoulders with this crew every week is the real reward; the award itself is a nice bonus.
A huge thank you to our sponsors as well — you guys rock.
When Did You Join Red Dog and What Attracted You to the Club?
Five years ago this month.
Trent spotted me splashing around at Valley Pool like a golden retriever who had just discovered water and somehow convinced me to give the squad a try.
I hadn’t trained in a group since I was eight years old, and it showed immediately. I quickly became the benchmark for what not to do.
The squad looked serious. I arrived with what can only be described as T-Rex accountant arms and, on day one, confidently marched to the front of Lane 7. I then attempted to take out Storchie during his easy swim before being forced to exit the water shortly after the warm-up.
It took me a few sessions just to make it through a full set.
How Much Training Are You Doing at the Moment?
At the moment, it’s around four swims, two runs, and some strength work each week.
The accountant in me likes the structure. The rest of me is simply trying to keep up.
What’s Your Favourite Session and Why?
A packed lunchtime threshold session in the middle of summer.
The discomfort is dialled in, not switched off.
There’s something special about finding that rhythm where you’re holding the water just right, gradually moving from controlled to fast, completely locked into the effort. Everything else disappears.
No emails. No spreadsheets. No noise.
Just the black line and the burn.
It’s probably the closest thing I have to meditation — although significantly less relaxing.
Who Are Your Favourite Training Partners?
Trent
No contest. Number one.
Coach, training partner, and mate.
Trent approaches coaching like an art form rather than a science. That sounds vague until you’ve experienced it firsthand. He has an uncanny ability to read exactly where you’re at on any given day — whether you need a technical adjustment, a hard push, a quiet word, or simply someone to guide you back into form after illness.
The amount of thought and effort he invests into this squad is extraordinary. I’ve benefited from that more times than I can count and I’m genuinely grateful.
Alex
Profoundly resilient, endlessly encouraging, and an outstanding athlete.
He, Dave and I have an ongoing time-trial rivalry that I’d describe as Alex routinely taking our souls.
Next year, Alex. Next year.
Scottie, Kirk, Jacqui & Joel
Absolute legends from day one.
Friendly, supportive, and somehow kind enough to never mention the infamous warm-up incident. Kirk and I even lined up together at the Cooly Classic recently, which felt like a proper full-circle moment.
Dave
Top bloke, brilliant banter, and someone who pushes me every single session.
I will catch him when he’s at his best.
It’s a matter of when, not if.
(Dave, I’m coming.)
Jesus
That smile seems to come from somewhere deep within.
Also an incredibly fast runner.
Just please, mate — don’t trip.
Kevie
A machine in the water and somehow also a water-skiing wizard.
Still processing that one.
Mark J
Trent engineered a rivalry between us that we both took entirely too seriously.
The race before Christmas nearly broke me. I had a headache for the rest of the day.
I’d do it again immediately.
Charlotte
My measure of a successful Friday morning is whether I can touch the wall before you — particularly if Trent is watching.
I’ve snapped a band trying to make it happen.
No regrets.
Lee
Those Friday morning extras while you were preparing for Rottnest were something else.
Seriously inspiring.
Dan
Always great to share a lane.
Your turn to chase me now.
Dirk
We need to get back to the running track before the gap becomes embarrassing.
Benny Mac
Are you still out feeding the chooks?
You owe me some birthday cake, and I haven’t forgotten.
Ben P
Our post-session debriefs are genuinely energising.
Keep bringing that contagious energy.
Mike L
I had no idea how fast you were until I stalked your Strava.
Properly fast.
Mike K
That megawatt smile in pouring rain is a genuine public service.
Eric
Always a pleasure.
Your energy sets the tone.
Favourite Motivational Quote?
A grandfather was walking through the woods with his grandson.
“Within us,” he said, “are two wolves locked in constant battle. One is brave, honest, generous and happy. The other is angry, selfish, fearful and arrogant. They will battle throughout your entire life.”
The boy looked up and asked, “Which wolf wins?”
The grandfather replied:
“The one you feed.”
What’s One Piece of Advice You’d Give a Newbie?
Go in with clear eyes.
Red Dog has a genuine formula for growth and an incredible community. If you trust the process, you’ll get far more from this experience than you ever expected.
Standing on a podium is great, but it’s not the only prize.
Also, expect a few injuries early on, particularly if you arrive swinging like I did on day one in Lane 7.
Work through them.
What’s waiting around the next corner is worth it.
What’s Your Next Event?
Ocean swim season is done for now, but I’m already training hard for the next showdown with Mark J.
That rivalry has developed a life of its own and I intend to be ready.
What Do You Do Outside of Training?
Family. Full stop.
I have an incredible wife, two genuinely cool daughters, and a golden sausage dog with a personality far larger than his body.
Between the four of them, they keep me honest, humble, and mostly out of trouble.
What’s Your One Guilty Pleasure?
This answer requires some context for non-swimmers.
It’s touching Kieran Storch’s feet.
Years of blood, sweat, and genuine suffering went into earning that privilege. Storchie has since clarified that it “doesn’t count on the easy 100s.”
With respect, I completely disagree and intend to continue counting it.
And if you’re not already following Kieran Storch on Instagram, stop reading this immediately and go do that.
His achievements are well earned, and the photos do them justice.