Alex Smith has wowed Sturt members since his arrival at the club this year, but most members don't play with Alex in the top pennant side on Saturday, so we interviewed him via email, to find out more about him, for you.
His bowls career started at Underdale Bowling Club around 2001, then he moved to West Lakes in 2011 after a couple of years off where he won 3 Premier League flags and "played in lots of great games and finals as a Laker and played every position in their Premier League side".
Alex was in the U25 State team in 2015 and the Men's State Squad in 2018/19 and he is a long-time State Development squad member, including skipping the rink of the series against a Vic Country side in 2018.
For the last two years he's coached the SA Schools U18 bowls side, which "has been a highlight", with a few players then taking up pennants and others moving into the primary U18 State side.
His favourite bowls memory is a tough, first flag in 2017: "It was a full circle moment and any time I roll up with my dad who is a certified bowls nuffie!"
What do you most like about bowls?
"I like the combination of mental challenge and physical execution and the opportunity to play with mates and build new relationships. Many of my teammates over the years have become lifelong friends."
Are you aware you are passionate and animated on the green?
"I am a very vocal player, and well aware of it! This sometimes rubs people the wrong way but I'm always focused on being a positive team member and rarely engage in any sledging.
"Some livestream commentary last year that I'm 'always positive in my role' was nice to hear."
What do you most like about Sturt Bowling Club, so far?
"I love all of it honestly! Continuing to play with two of my great mates and a chance to skip regularly and be more of a leader has been great and the club as a whole has been so welcoming and excited to 'learn' from players like Isaac, Jack and myself.
"Being a Laker was a big part of my identity as a player so it's a credit to the club that I feel like a 'Sturter' already. I was very scared I would accidentally say 'Let's go Lakers' early out of habit!
"Maybe my favourite thing so far has been the atmosphere at home games, playing a good shot and having the boys get up and about. My high five techniques need some work though!"
Could you share some personal details?
"My day job is a high school teacher, mainly the humanities - I have several historical inspired tattoos.
"I run and ride regularly, which bleeds over into my bowls as I like to play at a brisk pace.
"Probably the quirkiest bowls fact I have is I haven't used an 'off the shelf' colour of bowls in nearly 14 years."
We're absolutely delighted you've joined us, Alex!