A Perth man has been chosen as Western Australia's only representative in the national team headed to the International Quidditch Association World Cup in Germany.
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Real-life Quidditch has the same structure and rules as those of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, albeit being played on the ground instead of in mid-air. The soft goal-scoring Quaffle balls are represented by volleyballs, and the knockout Bludgers by dodgeballs.
The elusive golden Snitch ball – the responsibility of each team's Seeker player to find and catch alongside main gameplay to end the game with a huge points bonus – is represented by a fast and nimble human player.
And yes, the participants run with brooms between their legs.
Perth Phoenixes captain James Hyder, picked as WA's only representative in the Australian Dropbears (yes, Dropbears) team following national tryouts, said players generally used something like a PVC pipe in place of a broom for practical purposes during training.
But often one of the companies that actually traded in manufacturing Quidditch brooms for the insatiable Pottermad public would sponsor the event and provide specialised brooms, generally was more rounded at the bristles, and curved at the handle, than a normal broom.
"You get used to it," he said simply.
Hyder said the Dropbears were in with a chance after coming second to the United States in the last World Cup in Canada in 2014.
"They started the game as we now know it so they are a couple of years ahead of everyone else in terms of tactics. They are still definitely the team to watch out for," he said.
Of the 25 teams competing – up from eight in 2014 – stiff competition was also expected from France, Canada and of course the United Kingdom.
Hyder, despite founding the Perth team, said he was not the city's biggest Harry Potter fan by a long shot. He had read the books, but began the team in 2011 as a diversion between high school and university after watching the Brooms Up! documentary about the sport's development in the USA.
He continued because of the sport's unexpectedly addictive qualities.
"I'm pretty sporty and have played my whole life – on the scale of all sports, it's complex and there is a lot happening and a lot of tactics being implemented at once," he said.
"You need speed, agility, a good tackle and a good arm. Just like your general AFL player, basically."
The Dropbears fly to Frankfurt in late July.
