INTERVIEW WITH BRAD HODGE – RECRUIT NUMBER 9

Age: 50

From: Melbourne, Australia

Occupation: International Cricketer 

IG - @bradleyhodge302

Brad Hodge is a retired Australian cricketer and coach, best known for being part of Australia’s 2007 World Cup–winning squad and as Victoria’s highest run-scorer in Sheffield Shield history. After more than a decade and 10,000 runs, he earned a hard-fought international debut, playing across all formats and memorably scoring a double century against South Africa in 2005, as well as Australia’s first domestic T20 hundred. Though his international career was brief, his determination defined him, and he later moved into coaching, media, and commentary roles. 

Known for his competitive spirit and sharp humour, Brad is now taking on the Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins journey to test himself once again.

Why did you sign up to take part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins?

It was something I considered a couple of years ago but the timeline of filming didn’t work back then and it didn’t pan out at that time. When I got the call again, saying they were interested in having a cricketer for this series, I was in really good shape and training, so I felt “red hot” to nail it. There was a cricket angle with the Ashes happening at the moment, which was huge in both Australia and the UK. Timing worked, and after chatting to my kids, who encouraged me, I committed to it.

What did you hope to get out of the experience?

I just didn’t want to look bad. When cricket is broadcast on TV, you get judged constantly. My whole life has been about being judged—playing cricket, commentating on it—and then suddenly, at 50, trying to do this, I was worried about judgment again. I wanted people to see that I’ll never give up and push through challenges. I also wanted to show my kids that “dad’s a badass,” whether or not that part even makes it to the show.

Did you do anything prior to the show to prep?

I had just recovered from surgery and  was physically coming back. I felt comfortable achieving what I needed, even though I hadn’t run much leading up to filming, which is something I normally do. I put on a 15kg weight vest and did a few two-hour walks. I was more worried about the psychological aspects. For example, I practiced being in confined spaces and water submersion. I had my son lock me in the boot of his car for around ten minutes a couple of times. That was awful. I even used a torch for the second couple of tries. The goal was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

What was more difficult: the mental or physical challenges?

The physical challenges were fine at first. Most challenges, even mental ones, had a physical aspect. 

How did you find the sleeping arrangements?

That was the worst thing. People have said some loved it, like a big sleepover, but I found it extremely uncomfortable. I had a canvas setup that squeaked, and it was hot—up to 35–40 degrees. Jess was next to me for a bit, and hers squeaked too. There was no comfy bed to retreat to, so it was just a hard, uncomfortable experience.

Did anyone have annoying habits or keep you up at night?

Yes. I was actually annoying for Emily because I needed to go to the toilet four times a night due to hydration. The rule was you had to have someone with you for safety, so Emily was unlucky. 

Toby stayed up late with a torch on his head, shining it around the room like a disco, completely ignoring everyone else’s sleep needs, which was annoying too. Everyone has their own routines, and when you’re 14 people in a room, that makes team efficiency interesting.

Who did you bond with?

I bonded with Jessika, Emily, Graeme, Ben, Gabby, and Axel. The Australians initially stuck together, and we eventually all bonded. It just depended on proximity and shared experiences, like positions in the room.

Did anyone surprise you?

Gabby surprised me with her leadership, which became evident as time went on. Dani also grew throughout the experience. Mac and Emily weren’t surprising—they were clearly athletic and capable. Everyone else tried their hardest, so nothing else was shocking.

Was it nice having another cricketer there?

Yes, it was helpful to have a familiar connection, though fighting Graeme was weird. They put us in situations where we had to fight each other for challenges, which felt unnatural because we were friends. There was no “hate” between us - that didn’t exist.

What was your impression of the DS?

They were great, much more light-hearted than I expected. Foxy even joked about cricket matches, which I found funny. Chris was scary-looking, Rudy was very impressive, and Billy could be intense in challenges but also had humour. They made sly, comical remarks, which I enjoyed.

Did you learn anything about yourself?

Yes. I realised how close and important my family is. Leaving for this challenge was different than leaving for cricket or coaching—it highlighted the sacrifice of family time. For example, I missed 13 of my son’s first 13 birthdays due to cricket. Rudy’s speech about family and history really resonated with me. This experience reinforced the value of family over achieving more accolades.

Any other reflections?

The experience was physically challenging, mentally demanding, and socially interesting. I learned about group dynamics, resilience, and leadership. I enjoyed moments of humour and camaraderie and gained perspective on my family’s importance. It was a very personal, grounding experience rather than one focused on ego or achievement.