More than 120 interested spectators from the small town joined 180 skaters, officials and supporters a the Warracknabeal Centre on the day.

Wheat City’s Stacey Drage said those new to the sport were surprised by how hard hitting it was.

“There was lots of comments comparing it to football from the men,” she said.

“They were saying ‘you couldn’t do that on a footy field’ and they were impressed by how quickly the skaters got straight back up.

“Then there were the other comments about how friendly it was as a sport because competitors talk to each other on track and help each other up when they go down.”

The finals at Warracknabeal brought the Statewide Stampede roller derby tournament to end for 2018.

Westside Derby Dollz, based out of Melbourne’s western suburbs, won the final 250-99 against NERD Kelly’s to end the day.

While the Derby Angel’s could not manage a win as part of the Rolling Matilda Drage said it did not stop them enjoying playing in front of a home crowd.

“We had another great time playing together,” she said.

“In terms of roller derby scores it wasn’t a huge difference. We led for most of the first half and that is unusual for us, so we showed some more signs of improvement.”

Visiting players and official filled Warracknabeal motels for the event before they flocked to the Creekside Hotel to enjoy the post-tournament atmosphere.

“The head referee message me to congratulate us on a great event,” Drage said.

“He told me it had been his favourite round of the tournament by far. People went on to look at the silo art trail and other stuff like that as well so it was great for the area.”

Closer to home Drage was helpful the taste tournament would entice more people to get involved with the Derby Angels.

“We’ve had a bit of interest and a few questions asked,” she said. “That’s certainly fantastic, hopefully that has enticed a few more people to give it a try.”

Wheat City’s Darlene Goodwin was announced was re-appointed as the captain of the Rolling Matilda’s for next season following the tournament.

Drage and teammate Pru Cook will compete once more in October as part of a beyond blue fundraiser organised by the Eastern Victoria Roller Derby League.