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SAS Australia: meet the cast

These are the 17 Australians tested in Seven's gruelling new reality series.

17 well-known Australians have made their debut in SAS Australia.

They are:

Ali Oetjen – Bachelorette
Arabella Del Busso – Glamour Model
Candice Warner – Ironwoman
Eden Dally – Reality Star
Erin McNaught – Miss Universe Australia
Firass Dirani – Actor
Jackson Warne – Poker Player
James Magnussen – World Champion Swimmer
Merrick Watts – Comedian
Mitchell Johnson – Cricket Legend
Molly Taylor – Rally Car Champion
Nick Cummins – Rugby Union Player
Roxy Jacenko – Pr Queen
Sabrina Frederick – Aflw Star
Schapelle Corby – Former Bali Inmate
Shannan Ponton – Fitness Professional
Shayna Jack – Swimming Gold Medallist

The premiere season of SAS Australia sees 17 Aussie celebrities take on one of the toughest challenges
of their lives, as they attempt to conquer a series of physical and psychological tests from the real SAS selection process.

These star recruits will be cut off from the outside world at a secret base in harsh but spectacular terrain, where they will eat, sleep and train together in punishing conditions, with no allowances made for their celebrity status, age or gender.

As they’re subjected to extreme physical endurance, sleep deprivation, interrogation and psychological testing, these men and women will be pushed beyond their limits.

Putting them through the gruelling SAS course is an elite team of ex-Special Forces soldiers – Chief Instructor Ant Middleton and his DS (Directing Staff) Mark “Billy” Billingham, Jason “Foxy” Fox and Ollie Ollerton from the hit UK version of the series.

SAS Australia is not a game. There is no winner; there is no prize. Most recruits will reach breaking point and withdraw. Who has what it takes to tough it out to the end?

#16 Ali Oetjen
Age: 34
Current Hometown: Sunshine Coast
Profession: Wellness Life Coach and Influencer
Why did you enlist to SAS Australia?
I wanted to experience where my mental and physical limits were and push past them so I could grow and build strength in a way I couldn’t any other way.
How would you describe the experience?
It was relentless! Freezing temperatures, the toughest most uncomfortable obstacles and missions that just never came to an end. Every day in there felt like three days. Fear and adrenaline pumped through my veins the entire time.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
I did 20kg pack walks and HIIT every day and about 3-4 weight sessions a week. I also did an hour of yoga and minimum one hour of meditation every day. My focus was to be strong in my core and my mind, and to be extremely present and connected with my spirit. My aim was to be very cardiovascular fit and be capable of carrying my pack and supplies everywhere.

#4 Arabella Del Busso
Age: 30
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: Glamour Model
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
Training was difficult due to the Melbourne lockdown so no indoor or outdoor gyms were open and I couldn’t travel far from home for exercise which made long hikes and carrying weighted backpacks impossible. I focused on doing what I could which included a lot of cardio, weight training and wearing a weight vest where possible.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
When we arrived at base and I saw the stretchers we would be sleeping on and realised there were no showers – only a pig’s trough with a litre of water in it to either wash yourself or wring your hands with.
Was the experience more or less challenging than you expected?
More challenging! Whilst I knew and fully expected it to be a challenging experience, I didn’t fully realise just how gruelling it would be.

#2 Candice Warner
Age: 35
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Mum And Wife
Why did you enlist to SAS Australia?
To show my daughters that mummy is pretty capable of some cool stuff and that daddy isn’t the only one that can do things. And secondly to show people what my family and husband are made of.
How would you describe the experience?
SAS Australia was the most life changing experience I could have ever imagined. To begin with I thought it would be the physical challenges that would be the toughest to deal with. In the end it was the most mundane exercises that would test my character. Packing a Bergen each day sounds like an easy task but believe me it’s much harder than it looks. Drying your wet kit after every exercise was horrendous. All in all it was a true test. I loved it!!
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
I mainly concentrated on building my physical strength. I had a baby a little over 12 months ago. In my pregnancy I lost all my core strength and struggled to do one pull-up or push-up after giving birth. I knew I needed to work on that so I went hard in the gym. I also ran a lot and tried walking once a week with a 25kg pack on.

#17 Eden Dally  
Age: 28
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Correctional Officer/ Personal Trainer
How would you describe the experience?
It was a great experience and a real eye opener and taught me a few lessons.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
I did a lot of cardio, hiking and 7km runs every day. I cut down doing any weight training to get better cardio and not carry so much weight. My training included squats, burpee box jumps, squat jump, lunges and sprint training.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
When we had to jump out of the helicopter into the water, swim back to shore, sleep on the ground, never shower and it’s always cold… That’s when I thought ‘bloody hell’.

#7 Erin McNaught
Age: 38
Current Hometown: Brisbane
Profession: Model And Mum
How would you describe the experience?
Simultaneously the most incredible yet harrowing experience of my life.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
I knew that the course would involve a lot of heavy carries, as ammo/equipment/fuel resupply missions are extremely important in the military, so i did a lot of strongman training to build both my upper body strength and leg strength. Endurance is the other key element, so I did pack marches (running with a weighted backpack) twice a week.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
The first few moments after the first helicopter fall. I was seeing stars and my whole face was numb from hitting the water so hard. I came up gasping and tried to speak; there was only the cameraman there a few metres away and he was just blank – no hint of emotion on his face. I thought someone would at least ask me if I was ok but there was just nothing! It was at that point I realised it was all up to me.

#11 Firass Dirani
Age: 37
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Actor
Was the experience more or less challenging than you expected?
Definitely more challenging. It was one of the best surprises. But then my mind and body adjusted.
Did anything surprise you?
Tough blokes were losing their memory in front of me. Some couldn’t use their hands. And some lost their minds. Mental strength is everything in this world.
Are there any learnings from the course you will take into your real life? Absolutely. Regiment, routine and protocol are fundamental to achieving goals in life.
Would you ever do it again?
Absolutely.

#3 Jackson Warne
Age: 21
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: Poker Player
Why did you enlist to SAS Australia?
To test myself physically and mentally.
How would you describe the experience?
Life changing. I learnt so much about myself and to never take anything for granted again. I also learnt to appreciate the little things like family, food and water.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
I watched the other SAS series and did weights training, walks and runs with weighted backpacks, took cold showers and meditated.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
I knew it was going to be real before day 1.

 

#12 James Magnussen
Age: 29
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Former World Champion Swimmer/Business/Owner/Swim Coach
Was the experience more or less challenging than you expected?
Much more challenging for sure. I don’t feel you could prepare adequately for the deprivations eg, no showers were a challenge for me as someone who likes to be clean and have a good order of things. These were unexpected challenges.
Did anything surprise you?
The conditions, from weather (snowing, blizzarding) to the variety (mountains one day, beach the next). And the DS’ ability to switch into ‘solider mode’ was a real eye opener. The fact that it really is a mode, a psyche that these guys need to be able to come in and out of almost instantaneously, was a really interesting observation for me.
Are there any learnings from the course you will take into your real life?
The DS’ ethos/teachings were around the people you choose to associate with and whether they help or hinder you in your life. Be rigid with who you allow in your circle. Showing emotion, allowing yourself to be vulnerable to have more meaningful experiences, change some of the thinking in life, how to not be a professional person always and shift into a civilian type philosophy, live life differently.

#10 Merrick Watts
Age: 46
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Comedian
Are there any learnings from the course you will take into your real life?
So much! Confidence, decision making, ability to balance my emotions and behaviour, ability to adjust and respond under pressure. Being able to read people and know when to comfort or confront. Leadership and what it really looks like. I have soooo much to be grateful for.
Would you ever do it again?
No.
They call it the toughest test. Do you agree?
I can’t imagine there being a harder test. This is not a game, it’s not even a tv show. It is life or death at times and the risks are real.
What would you say to someone who is considering applying for the next season?
Think about why you want to do it and if it is money or fame or just another physical challenge, that will probably not be enough to take you all the way. Search deeply for a reason that is so strong that it can defeat any challenge you face. If you have that reason, attempt selection.

#15 Mitchell Johnson
Age: 38
Current Hometown: Perth
Profession: Ex-Cricketer/ Self-Employed
How would you describe the experience?
Many mixed emotions but overall an experience I’m grateful for.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
I had a program from The Mill Gym which is owned and run by ex-Special Forces. The training was a lot of volume, a lot of running with weight vest and rucking.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
During the shooting task.
Was the experience more or less challenging than you expected?
I knew it was going to be the toughest thing I’d ever experienced but it blew me away for sure. The mental and emotional side of it wasn’t what I was expecting, even though I had been given advice to be ready for it.

 

#5 Molly Taylor
Age: 32
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: Rally Driver
Are there any learnings from the course you will take into your real life?
So many things! The fundamental principles the course is based on apply in so many life scenarios and give you the tools to approach these situations better. Most importantly, the focus on consistently getting the basics right and learning to take each situation as it comes makes you better prepared to attack the important things in life and not get caught up in all the white noise and things you can’t control.
Would you ever do it again?
Probably not. I think it was an important thing for me to do, but now I’ve done it, I think I have taken what I need from the experience.
They call it the toughest test. Do you agree?
I completely agree. It’s hard to comprehend unless you go through it, then you understand why they say that!

#6 Nick Cummins
Age: 33
Current Hometown: Gold Coast
Profession: Rugby Player and Adventurer
Why did you enlist to SAS Australia?
Because I love a challenge and wanted to bullet proof myself for life.
How would you describe the experience?
It was a definitely a challenging experience. Every aspect forced me to explore my limits and discover new levels of resilience.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
I did a lot of conditioning combined with a little bit of strength work but was mostly focusing on endurance training. I also practiced my mindfulness, so I was ready to fully commit myself to the challenges of the course.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
Day 2! When I submitted requests to the DS who would laugh at them and walk away.

#1 Roxy Jacenko
Age: 40
Current Hometown: Sydney Profession: Entrepreneur
Was the experience more or less challenging than you expected?
It was very challenging for me. Having fractured my hip and pelvis six weeks before departure for filming was a disaster. It meant my six day a week training regime was halted immediately after putting six months into it.
Did anything surprise you?
How real it was. No producers, just the DS – and they weren’t there to do anything but the job. A very different and real reality experience to what I had expected.
Are there any learnings from the course you will take into your real life?
That I am not heading to the SAS anytime soon!! But in reality, that without your health you’re no good to anyone, so for me now the focus is the time to actually fully heal.
Would you ever do it again?
Yes, if I was in perfect condition.

#14 Sabrina Frederick
Age: 23
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: AFLW Player (Richmond)
How would you describe the experience?
It’s the toughest thing I have ever done, physically, emotionally and mentally, but also one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learnt a lot about myself and what matters to me whilst seeing how far I can really push myself.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
Other than my regular training I do for football, I ran treks with a weight vest and the SAS boots, and did a hell of a lot of military push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
Day 1, Task 1. Right from when we started it hits you.

#9 Schapelle Corby
Age: 43
Current Hometown: Brisbane
Profession: Epoxy Resin Artist
Why did you enlist to SAS Australia?
As soon as the show was shown to me, I knew I had to take part. The whole concept hooked me in – No name, No makeup! In society we put so much emphasis on the outer appearance whereas in SAS we are stripped back to essentially the core of our inner makeup. Also, I wanted to see for myself that I am in control of my own mind. That was very important to me.
How would you describe the experience?
Gruelling and brutal as it was, there’s nothing else like this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m so glad I did it and am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort bubble.
What training did you do to prepare for the course?
High intensity cardio, resistance training and jogging five days per week, plus a PT two times per week.
At what point did it hit home that this process was 100% real?
On the first day after the helicopter fall, army crawling on our stomachs through the mudflats, I was watching the ends of my plaited hair slide through the mud thinking ‘good god, it’s started, I’m here, this is real’.

#8 Shannan Ponton
Age: 46
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Fitness Professional/ Presenter
Was the experience more or less challenging than you expected?
The experience exceeded my expectations in harshness and relentlessness. At any stage I expected a TV producer to step in and ensure the camera angles were locked off and necessary content covered and maybe just check in and ensure the comfort, wellness and safety of the recruits. It wasn’t to be… ever!
Did anything surprise you?
There was no differentiation between male and female recruits, at all. The girls carried the same weight in their packs and received no dispensation in any of the challenges or tasks. Not that any asked for it. We were blessed with an amazing group of empowered, resilient ladies who were an inspiration to me.
Are there any learnings from the course you will take into your real life?
Many of the lessons and perceptions we gained from the DS will stay with me for life. How to flick the switch of aggression/speed/power/concentration on and off when necessary to conserve energy. How to perceive life’s challenges, adversity, beauty and setbacks and use them to complete your mission.
Would you ever do it again?
Hell No! Maybe. Yes, but only in summer.

#13 Shayna Jack
Age: 21
Current Hometown: Brisbane
Profession: Swimmer
Are there any learnings from the course you will take into your real life?
The DS would relate every part of this process to real life so I will take away every challenge and every lesson learnt and apply it to my life.
Would you ever do it again?
No.
They call it the toughest test. Do you agree?
100% because they’re not asking you to do one thing out of your comfort zone. They’re putting you in a situation that no one could really prepare for, in an environment that no one knows about.
What would you say to someone who is considering applying for the next season?
Be ready for the unexpected and get your mind ready.

Ant Middleton (Chief Instructor)

Ant joined the Special Boat Service (SBS) in 2008 and spent four years there (the SBS is the UK’s naval Special Forces unit and the sister unit of the SAS). He was a point man/lead scout and also a primary fires operator and sniper. Prior to joining the SBS, Ant also served in the Royal Marines and 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers – meaning that he has achieved the ‘Holy Trinity’ of the UK’s Elite Forces (P Company, Commando Course, UK Special Forces Selection). Ant transferred his Special Forces skills to personal security and was selected to protect VIPs, including government officials and high-profile celebrities. He also operated as a security expert in South Africa and across various other countries for governments in West Africa. He has trained presidential security teams and also ran extreme SAS style corporate events for large companies who wanted to truly experience the extremes of Special Forces selection.

Mark “Billy’ Billingham (DS: Directing Staff)

Billy joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and served until 1991 holding an array of positions, including Patrol Commander for operational tours in multiple locations and training instructor for the Regiments as a military specialist. Billy joined the SAS in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist and was responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level in numerous locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa). He was awarded an MBE by the Queen for leading a hostage rescue mission and received the Queens Commendation for Bravery. Billy has also worked in private security for several A-list celebrities including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Kate Moss, Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe and Clint Eastwood.

Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox (DS: Directing Staff)

Jason is a former Royal Marine Commando and Special Forces Sergeant, who served 20 years in the military; 10 with the Special Forces in the Special Boat Service (SBS). He has planned and led operations including hostage rescue, counter terrorism, counter insurgency, maritime counter terrorism, surveillance, body guarding and counter narcotic missions. Jason is also trained as a combat swimmer, demolitions expert, Special Forces dog handler and jungle survival expert. After leaving the Special Forces, Jason moved into the television and film industry, initially using his wealth of experience in the Special Forces to support production crews who were working in environmentally hostile areas, such as the jungle, the Arctic or the desert.

Ollie Ollerton (DS: Directing Staff)

Ollie joined the Royal Marine Commando’s aged 18 and toured operationally in Northern Ireland and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. After five years he passed SAS selection and joined the Special Boat Service (SBS) where he underwent further training to qualify as a Special Forces Combat Frogman.
During his six years in the SBS he undertook a number of high profile missions including hostage rescue, counter narcotics, counter terrorism, homeland security, counter insurgency operations and humanitarian efforts. Ollie also qualified as a pilot of the Submersible Dive Vessel (SDV), a mini sub used to insert Special Forces Combat Soldiers behind enemy lines. Ollie is CEO of Brea-Point, an organisation for both public and corporate that focuses on changing people’s limiting beliefs and performance.

• Recruits enter the course with nothing more than • the clothes on their backs. No personal items are allowed.
• Recruits are issued with everything they need for
the duration of the course on arrival – clothing, footwear and a full backpack, also known as their • Bergen (the ‘house on your back’).
• The Bergen contains every item recruits need to navigate and survive in the outdoors including helmet, chest harness, sleeping mat, tarp, towel, • water bottle, knife, mess kit, mug, toilet roll, sanitising wipes, sunglasses, head torch, notebook, pencil, toothpaste, toothbrush, belt, armband, whistle, watch, sleeping bag, compass and two sets • of kit (clothing).
• When they enter base, recruits are issued with a number. They are no longer referred to by name – only the number on their armband.
• Beds are simple camp cots, with one sleeping bag and an army blanket.
• Three meals of basic food are served daily in the Mess. While some recruits were eating 4000+ calories per day during training, their intake is drastically reduced on the course – as low as 1400 calories on some days.
• Recruits do not have access to hot water. They have to fill a bucket of cold water from a tap and carry it to the sink area – with one sink allocated to dishwashing and another to wash themselves in.
• There are no flushing toilets. A short-drop toilet (drum and sawdust) has to be cleaned out and maintained by the recruits themselves, along with all other aspects of base maintenance.
• The recruits have to chop their own wood and light the fires that are the only sources of heat (two pot belly stoves in the Recruit Dorm).
• Fire is the only means of drying their clothing. With most tasks involving water, mud, sleet or snow, it is a crucial nightly ritual to dry out one set of clothes ready for the next day. Attempting to wear wet clothes in sub-zero temperatures is very dangerous.
• Temperatures at base range from a minimum 02 of -5°C to a maximum of 8°C.
• The local water temperature is 4°C on average.
• The Directing Staff, or DS, run the entire course without producer direction. No one enters the base apart from the recruits, the DS and the doctor.
• Recruit injuries include fractured ribs, hypothermia and stitches. They get through 275 Band-Aids,
65 metres of strapping tape, 957 alcohol swabs and require 4 MRIs.
• During production there are over 30 explosions, 790 AK 47 blank rounds used and 22 hours of helicopter time.
• There are 41 fixed cameras on base and 120 crew members.
• The same Directing Staff have overseen seven seasons/recruit courses in the UK. Only 13 recruits have passed selection to date.

DS
The DS or Directing Staff are the ex-Special Forces team who direct the course (also referred to as “Staff”).
BASE
The Recruit and DS living quarters which include the Recruit Dorm, DS Dorm, Mirror Room, Prayers Room, Mess, Parade Square, Drying Room and Medic Room.
MIRROR ROOM
This is where the DS interrogate the recruits with tactical questioning (sometimes referred to as TQ’s or Interrogations).
PRAYERS ROOM
At the end of each day, the DS get together to discuss the recruits in the Prayers Room
PARADE SQUARE
The outside space where the DS gather the recruits and brief them. Also used to exercise the recruits.
BEASTINGS
The imposition of arduous physical exercises for training or punishment, aimed at breaking or making the recruits.
TASKS
The big off base challenges the recruits must tackle, such as Heli Backwards Fall, Forward Abseil, Marksman, Pulk Pull, Murderball and Under Ice Challenge.
DETAIL
When the DS brief the recruits on their task or what they’re about to do, this is known as detail.
VW
At any time on the course the recruits can voluntarily withdraw (VW). All they need to do is hand their numbered armband into a member of the DS.
BERGEN
A type of rucksack supported by a frame, used by the military.

SAS Australia is produced by Screentime, a Banijay Group company, based on a Minnow Films format, for the Seven Network.

3 Responses

  1. I loved it! Loved seeing that interview with Schapelle, too. This show is a lot more hardcore than I’d expected, also; I thought they’d just fanny about doing a few pushups and running up hills.

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