Alex Russell looks to make it two for two at The Fly 2023

In 2021, Alex Russell helped Rise on their way to victory at The Fly and in 2023 he returns to the competition, switching his allegiances to Hustle where he’ll be looking to make a similar impact.

“It’s exciting to get back to the best sixes competition in Europe at the moment. I’m really excited to get back involved with it because I enjoyed playing sixes in Birmingham, Alabama, [at The World Games] with Great Britain and I want to keep that momentum going.”

Alex has been chosen to represent Hustle as their Men’s Team Icon in 2023, meaning he embodies The Fly’s ethos and demonstrates all the attributes of a top sixes player, something he’s excited about ahead of the competition in May.

“It’s nice to be recognised individually but I’m just looking forward to getting back out there with the guys who get picked on my team and go and try to win it again.

“I’ve obviously got one for one when playing at The Fly so let’s make it two for two! Like I say, it’s nice to be individually recognised but I think most importantly it’s about trying to create the best competition going.”

With two high level sixes competitions already under his belt, Alex is hoping his experience of the game will put him in good stead to be able to help his team in 2023.

“It can look from the outside to be people just running up and down but there’s definitely some fundamental tactics and understanding that’s needed to get the most out of the team and yourself.

“It definitely helps [to have played against some of the best sixes players in the world]; you see what works well and what doesn’t work well and you then obviously want to do the things that work well!

“Looking at the Canadians, their ability to finish the ball close in front of the net was seen by all. I think in one game they had 20 shots and scored 18 goals so their efficiency was very commendable. So I’ll definitely be looking to pull some attributes from their game into mine.”

With The Fly 2023 just a matter of months away now, Alex is starting to hone his sixes game and he has a really clear idea of what makes a top sixes player which he hopes will help him in May.

“I think you have to be an athlete and be able to get up and down the field quickly and be able to play offence and defence; you can’t really hide on the sixes field.

“But I do think intelligence is a really undervalued category. Because of what’s going on, you need the composure to be able to make the right decisions in the right moments. I really enjoy playing with intelligent players.”

You can watch Alex in action with his Hustle team mates on 14 May at The Fly 2023 and you can buy tickets for round 1 and 2 as well as a Full Flight Pass HERE.