Physio to hurl her all at frisbee final
FOR many, throwing a frisbee is a fun summer pastime.
But Townsville physiotherapist Kat Smith has dreams of making it a career.
The sport of Ultimate is growing across Australia and Smith will step on to its biggest stage this weekend in the Australian Ultimate League grand final.
Into its second year, the national league pits citybased franchises against each other in a six-round competition before the grand final at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval.
Smith’s Brisbane Breakers have made it to the decider, but will enter the clash as serious underdogs to the might of Sydney Suns.
The 25-year-old is happy in that position and she plans to bring the North Queensland attitude with her.
“They are a very, very strong team. I am hoping we can come in as the underdogs, and snatch a win from Sydney,” she said.
“It is very easy to go in and think they are just going to win it, and give up before you play. I am trying to (avoid) that mentality.
“If things go our way, we have the capacity to do it.”
The Breakers will be at a disadvantage, with three of their top stars ruled out of the decider through injury and overseas work commitments.
It will put the weight on Smith’s shoulders to step up and lead the youthful side, which will feature three AUL rookies, around the park.
It is a job she is capable of after finishing the season in the league’s top 10 for assists with 11 over six games.
Smith has been a part of the Australian league since its inception after taking to the sport while she was at university in 2012.
“You can play frisbee and compete at nationals but this is more professional,” she said. “You start to feel you are not just playing sport, there might be a future in this.”
Townsville hosts several Ultimate Disc social leagues.
For more information, see Townsville Ultimate Disc on social media.