Profile: Fraser MacDonald

When and why did you start playing ultimate?
Began at the University of Edinburgh in September 2012. I had attended the University’s Symphony Orchestra’s first practise as a tuba player and thoroughly did not enjoy myself. Went along to the next taster event that was on that week I had highlighted I might be interested in.

Give us some points about your playing style and things that are crucial to your game.
I prefer playing defence at a competitive level and knowing that my assignment as a key player pushes me to play my best; I often get complacent when playing if I don’t value the opposition and that is a part of my game I need to adjust.

I am a bit hypocritical in that I am very forgiving and understanding of mistakes my teammates make, but feel extremely guilty when I mess up. I care a lot about how my teammates see me, which can be a playing weakness. However it also means I feel I bond with them quite easily.

Who are your biggest influences in Scottish ultimate?
This is a toughie. I’ve gone through different phases respecting and valuing players to different capacities. When I first started off, Mike Noblett was a final year student at Edinburgh and was amazing to watch, as well as Simone Whale. In the past year I’ve been amazed how chill and relaxed Andrew Dick looks when he plays yet everyone knows he’s playing his best at all times. I look up a lot to Katie Flight and am extremely, extremely excited to see Shona Whiteley to return to the game for Black Eagles.

What are your best memories from throughout your time playing ultimate?
Crying when I got scored on in the bottom bracket with Ro Sham Bo 3s at men’s indoor regionals in my first semester of playing. I cared so much at that point after only just starting to play, and it’s amusing to look back on. In terms of achievements, I absolutely loved my mixed team from Sydney I played with at Nationals in 2016, as well as the men’s Sydney Uni team that won gold at Australian University Nationals. I think getting to know my u24 teammates will be a large set of memories I’ll cherish in the coming years.

What are you most excited about going to worlds?
To put everything I physically and mentally can on the line for my team.

What is your favourite Aussie animal?
Quokka – how could it not be?!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about trialling for GB in the future?
Do it. If you don’t make it, you’ll get feedback to improve yourself and know where you can advance. If you make it, a whole new perspective and opportunity will open up.

If you don’t do it, you’ll always look back and wish you had at least taken a crack at it.