Adelaide Endurance recruit Simon Dorr set for Australian Premier League lawn bowls debut

SIMON  Dorr knew he was missing out as he watched the inaugural Australian Premier League lawn bowls tournament on TV last year - now he is getting ready to join the party.

10/10/2014 The Adelaide Endurance will again compete in the Australian Premier League lawn bowls tournament in Queensland.pic today (FOR FILE PICS ) pic here is Simon Dorr (Dorry) .....PHOTO DAVE CRONIN

SIMON  Dorr knew he was missing out as he watched Adelaide Endurance win its way to the final of the inaugural Australian Premier League lawn bowls tournament on television last year.

The Modbury skip wanted to join the party and set about forcing his way into the Messenger Community News-sponsored franchise.

“I watched it (on TV) last year and it looked really cool,” Dorr, 33, says.

“I was really keen to be part of it so to get the call up was great.

“The focus on playing really big shots and being able to do it in front of a big audience really stood out to me.

“I’d like to think that’s my style of play so I should fit in well.”

Dorr replaces Mark Haines in the only change to the side which finished runner-up last year to Brisbane Gold in the $100,000 event at Club Pine Rivers, Queensland.

After leading his club to the verge of the SA Premier League finals last season, the Redwood Park resident says he is ready to shine in front of the Fox Sports cameras at the APL.

“It’s a massive opportunity on a personal level to make a stand and get my name out there,” the former Salisbury and Payneham player says.

“I reckon I bring a bit of a spark to the team and I really love playing in front of people and revving it up a little bit.”

Dorr says he is anxious to test himself against some of the world’s best bowlers in the quick-fire APL format from November 18-21.

The state player believes his dynamic with teammates Wayne Ruediger, who he has won pairs titles alongside, and “best mate” Scott Thulborn, will be crucial to the team’s success.

“I don’t find it daunting — I really look forward to the challenge,” says Dorr, who began playing bowls aged eight for Gumeracha.

“As a team with what we’ve got, we’re definitely capable of winning it.

“Having that backing between us all and that friendship I think we can go all the way.”