SAS Australia 2021: meet the cast

18 famous faces will take to a new SAS Australia course this week, which takes place across 14 days at Capertee Valley NSW, during the 2021 mouse plague.

More than 200 crew worked on the series. Recruits were not allowed to communicate with crew members – they can only speak to the DS. 57 cameras and six drones were used to film the series -one drone is still at the bottom of the lake.

Off-base challenges include a Chopper Ladder Crossing, Worm Hole, Submerged Vehicle Escape, Forward Abseil, Hostage Rescue, Fall & Break and Tactical Driving.

There are only 3 ways to leave the course:
1. VW: Recruits can voluntarily withdraw (VW) from the course at any time by handing their numbered armband over to one of the DS.
2. Being removed from the course by staff.
3. Finish the course.

Chief Instructor: Ant Middleton
Directing Staff: Mark “Billy” Billingham, Jason “Foxy” Fox and Ollie Ollerton

Producers: Screentime Australia

Seven will screen a censored version in early evening timeslots, but uncensored versions will be available in late night slots or on 7plus.

There is no prize at the end.

Emma Hussar
#1
Age (On Course): 41
Current Hometown: Perth
Profession: Speaker, Educator and former Parliamentarian
What Was Your Favourite Thing About The Course?
The growth and self-development. I think I learnt more about myself than in the last two years of therapy. Also, the other recruits, learning about their story, hearing how they’d overcome things, watching them grow and achieve. This crew of people were divine to be getting dirty on the course with and I see some solid long-term friendships.
And Least Favourite?
Coming in injured. Nothing could be worse than being that far at the back of the pack physically, but mentally and emotionally so charged and so ready for it.
Did Anything Surprise You?
The team dynamic (we stuck together) and the lack of a shower. I expected there to be modest facilities but no shower or privacy to have a bucket shower did throw me a little.

Koby Abberton
#2
Age (On Course): 42
Current Hometown: Bali
Profession: Yoga Teacher, High Level Surf Coach / Guide
What Did You Learn About Yourself?
I make my life hard constantly. I am my own worst enemy. I constantly turn simple into hard. I now understand it’s all my brain, it’s me doing this. We have hundreds of thoughts and emotions a day and humans seem to jump and hold onto the grenades. I will now let negative thoughts slide and keep it simple.
Would You Ever Do It Again?
I would do it again and lie about my back to the doctors and insurers.
They Call This The Toughest Test. Do You Agree?
It was really tough. Constantly fatigued in every way. The food was a killer. I missed reading that in contract. Not eating real foods sucks all your energy. I felt like I had no blood or oxygen in my body.

Brynne Edelsten
#3
Age (On Course): 38
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: Event and Functions Co-Ordinator
How Would You Describe The Experience?
Very physically challenging.
What Training Did You Do To Prepare For The Course?
I did lots of walking to break in my boots, gradually adding more weight to my backpack. I also did F45 sessions, weights/gym sessions and I cut out alcohol two weeks prior.
When Did It Hit Home That This Was 100% Real?
When we first got to Base Camp.
Was SAS More Or Less Challenging Than You Expected?
Way more challenging than I had convinced myself it would be.

Jana Pitman
#4
Age (On Course): 38
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Track Athlete, Bobsledder, Doctor And Mum
Why Did You Enlist To SAS Australia?
I wanted to challenge myself physically, particularly after having a baby only months prior. I also wanted to test my mental strength. I was particularly keen to do SAS as I have always wanted to be involved with the Australian Defence Force. I have several family members, including my brother, who have served and I wanted to experience a little of the world they lived in.
How Would You Describe The Experience?
Extraordinary, scary, challenging, mindset-changing and overall one of the greatest experiences of my life.
What Training Did You Do To Prepare For The Course?
I started training about six weeks after the baby was born. I tried to do heaps of gym work (farmer carriers, hanging, weights etc) and lots of long walks. I initially did some great running too, but sadly tore my calf so had to back off that.

Pete Murray
#5
Age (On Course): 51
Current Hometown: Byron Bay
Profession: Musician
What Was Your Favourite Thing About The Course?
The helicopter tasks were great, but being submerged underwater in a car was my highlight. Exciting and dangerous! It sounds crazy but I surf quite a bit so I’m used to being relaxed under the water if I get hammered on a big wave. When you’re relaxed you can hold your breath for quite a long time.
And Least Favourite?
The beds weren’t very comfortable. I like sleeping on my belly and this was pretty much impossible to do so I wasn’t getting much sleep in there. I had a calf injury which started flaring up on the first day. By the third day, my old knee injury was flaring up too, so I was in a lot of pain. This made things pretty uncomfortable when running.
Did Anything Surprise You?
Nothing surprised me. I was expecting this to be hard and shocking and it was. It was more full on and intense compared to last season’s course.

Manu Feildel
#6
Age (On Course): 48
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Chef / TV Host
Why Did You Enlist To SAS Australia?
After watching the first Australian series, I thought it would be a great challenge to put myself through.
How Would You Describe The Experience?
Tougher than I was ready for, not physically but mentally.
What Training Did You Do To Prepare For The Course?
I did so much preparation for this, such as personal training, walking with weights, walking with a 25kg backpack, runs, boxing, mountain treks, thousands of stairs (even in the middle of the night), ice baths etc. Except I didn’t prepare for the mental challenges, and how could I?
When Did It Hit Home That This Was 100% Real?
I knew before I went in.

Jett Kenny
#7
Age (On Course): 26
Current Hometown: Sunshine Coast
Profession: Lifeguard
Did Anything Surprise You?
I was surprised at the lack of punishment and fallout to not passing tasks or being far behind.
What Did You Learn About Yourself?
Even though the person I am and the way I approach things can be difficult on myself, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can physically and mentally push myself further than I had originally thought and all I need in life is a small group of people by my side.
Would You Ever Do It Again?
Yes.
They Call This The Toughest Test. Do You Agree?
I believe it could have been the toughest test if some things were different. But for a lot of professional athletes, what they put themselves through to get
to the top is one of the toughest things.

Isabelle Cornish
#8
Age (On Course): 26
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Actor
What Did You Learn About Yourself?
The importance of committing to courage and backing yourself one hundred percent. When I faced tasks I wasn’t sure I could complete, I just told myself that I could and I did.
Would You Ever Do It Again?
Yes, one hundred percent but injury free next time.
They Call This The Toughest Test. Do You Agree?
It’s tough absolutely, mentally and physically it’s demanding.
What Do You Say To Someone Who Is Considering Applying For The Next Season?
You only live once, give it a go!

Dan Ewing
#9
Age (On Course): 35
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Actor
What Training Did You Do To Prepare For The Course?
I played bunch of basketball. I also worked with a personal trainer on what we call “farmer strength” (no bicep curls here baby). I did lots of long hikes with a weight vest, working my way up from 10kg to 20kg. I never liked endurance events but I grew to love them. Mentally is where I feel my preparation was really key. The DS weren’t about to let me light candles and meditate mid-task, so I researched what the military trains soldiers to do in order to lower stress levels under immense pressure. I came across tactical breathing and box breathing which helped me on the course big time.
When Did It Hit Home That This Was 100% Real?
They had me at tear gas.
Was SAS More Or Less Challenging Than You Expected?
You can’t prepare for being as physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted as you are. The course is truly relentless.

Erin Holland
#10
Age (On Course): 32
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: TV Presenter, Singer and former Miss World Australia
Did Anything Surprise You?
Everything. You could never predict anything!
What Did You Learn About Yourself?
Self-awareness is important in life. My body is capable of way more than I ever gave it credit for, and I plan on training at a similar intensity now, stepping things up and challenging my physical self more, putting myself out of my comfort zone.
Would You Ever Do It Again?
Yes! I got more out of my time on SAS than I have from any other physical challenge in my life. But I would start training right now.
They Call This The Toughest Test. Do You Agree?
Absolutely! You are stripped of every creature comfort and challenged physically and mentally in ways you’d never dreamed of. This will break anyone down. But if you let it, you’ll learn more about yourself than you ever could have imagined in such a short time.

Mark Philippoussis
#11
Age (On Course): 44
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: Tennis Pro Surf Coast
Was SAS More Or Less Challenging Than You Expected?
It was more challenging than I expected because of the emotional and psychological side.
What Was Your Favourite Thing About The Course?
The highlight wasn’t one specific thing. I learnt something new from the Staff and about myself every day.
Also connecting and getting to know the recruits as time passed… I formed some special friendships which I didn’t expect and I am so grateful for that!
And Least Favourite?
The first helicopter task. I put so much pressure on myself and never gave myself a chance, knowing that was a huge weakness for me as I didn’t train on bars at all. The toughest thing was not being able to contact my family.

Bonnie Anderson
#12
Age (On Course): 26
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: Singer / Actor
Would You Ever Do It Again?
If you ask me this in five years I may say yes, but it’s a no for now!
They Call This The Toughest Test. Do You Agree?
Absolutely! It’s tough because it breaks you down, not only physically and mentally, but you are also sleep deprived, limited for food, taken out of your comfort zones and forced to face many of your fears.
What Do You Say To Someone Who Is Considering Applying For The Next Season?
Do it! Its life changing and you can only grow from something like this. My advice is to go in with an open mind and never, ever assume what is coming next.

Kerri Pottharst
#13
Age (On Course): 55
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Motivational Speaker
When Did It Hit Home That This Was 100% Real?
The boat carry up the hill! I was team leader and my team wasn’t easy to lead. I got absolutely grilled by the DS. It made me feel like shit!
Was SAS More Or Less Challenging Than You Expected?
I expected it to be incredibly physically challenging, and it was!
What Was Your Favourite Thing About The Course?
The tasks that pushed me past my fears, especially the helicopter ladder and the death by drowning. I was so proud of myself. And I loved getting to know the other recruits in that peeled-back and egoless environment.

John Steffensen
#14
Age (On Course): 38
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Entrepreneur / Speed Agility Performance Coach
Why Did You Enlist To SAS Australia?
To see if I can still push myself both physically and mentally like when I was athlete.
How Would You Describe The Experience?
It was the worst and best experience of my life. I was able to delve back into the mindset I used as an athlete and grow and refine it to help me, post-show, to be a better human.
What Training Did You Do To Prepare For The Course?
I keep very fit in my normal life, but nothing can prepare you for this!
When Did It Hit Home That This Was 100% Real?
When I got tear gassed in the first 45 minutes of entering the compound.

Heath Shaw
#15
Age (On Course): 35
Current Hometown: Melbourne
Profession: Retired Athlete
Did Anything Surprise You?
How little I ate.
What Did You Learn About Yourself?
You can always go a bit more. And don’t overthink things, keep it simple.
Would You Ever Do It Again?
No.
They Call This The Toughest Test. Do You Agree?
Yes physically, but more mentally challenging.
What Do You Say To Someone Who Is Considering Applying For The Next Season?
It’s the best experience you will have
but train the mind as much as the body.

Sam Burgess
#16
Age (On Course): 32
Current Hometown: Sydney
Profession: Retired NRL Player
Why Did You Enlist To SAS Australia?
I retired from sport and sport has been my life since I was five years old. I missed the competing and camaraderie and I wanted to see if I still had that winning mentality.
How Would You Describe The Experience?
My experience was immeasurable really, something that you can never replicate. It challenged me in places that I never thought I would be challenged. Pain, fear, the rush you get from competing. It was extremely hard, but I enjoyed it.
What Training Did You Do To Prepare For The Course?
I did general training and tried to put myself into uncomfortable positions, carrying things that my mind didn’t want to do. I know how to prepare. For four weekends going in, I did 48-hour fasts.

Alicia Molik
#17
Age (On Course): 40
Current Hometown: Perth Profession: Tennis Coach
Why Did You Enlist To SAS Australia?
To completely test myself, seeing I feel as mentally tough at 40 as I’ve ever felt in my life. My kids would think it was pretty cool too.
How Would You Describe The Experience?
Once in a lifetime and an eye opener to not being in control of anything.
What Training Did You Do To Prepare For The Course?
Plenty! I’d train twice a day through the week when the kids were at school – strength in the gym, then every afternoon, long walks and runs with a 20kg weight vest, plus some swimming and running in sand with my boots.
When Did It Hit Home That This Was 100% Real?
When we ran through the field in our underwear after entering the course – that’s when it hit!

Jessica Perris
#18
Age (On Course): 31
Current Hometown: Darwin
Profession: Athlete / Senior Community Development Officer
What Did You Learn About Yourself?
I learnt that I have held myself back so much in my life because of my fear of failure and my fear of committing myself to a task. But without failure there can be no growth. It doesn’t matter how slow you progress as long as you keep moving forward you will eventually get to your destination.
Would You Ever Do It Again?
SAS Unfinished Business Season 1 – I’m ready!
They Call This The Toughest Test. Do You Agree?
I agree, it was hard. It was brutally hard. Lack of sleep, hunger and exhaustion take you to an extreme level of discomfort.
What Do You Say To Someone Who Is Considering Applying For The Next Season?
It’ll be the worst and best experience of your life!

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