Hi all, I'm here speaking with the fiery speed-demon - the 'Red Rocket' Todd Banfield...

Now Todd, we all want to know what's in the water at your hometown of Stratton in Perth. You were good mates with Jeffrey Gartlett, Chrissy Yarran and Nic Naitanui growing up and you're all lightning quick. What's the secret?

In Stratton you've got to be quick or else you get left behind (laughs).

Me and Nico went to school together and I actually pipped him on the line in a school sprint. You've always got bragging rights if you're the quickest, so that spurs you on.

At training I often hear some of the guys calling you 'Budget Banfield'... Can you elaborate on this?

I just think the boys are a bit jealous that I am wise and prudent with my money.

When I'm driving my Maserati around, the nickname might go away (laughs).

We all know Ash McGrath likes to have a cheap crack at you in his 'Ooh Aah Ash McGrath' column on the website. Is there anything you want to say back to Ash?

Yeah, it seems that Ash is constantly giving me a mention in his web blog.

I'm not sure how true it all is because he's often the one who takes loaves of bread home with him from the players' lunchroom.

So he needs to practice what he preaches.

It's important to have other interests and hobbies outside of football. You have an aquarium at home and an impressive one at that. What got you into this?

My interest in animals started when I was a young bloke growing up and I slowly taught myself about marine life.

It's a good hobby that actually has much more to it than meets the eye.

You've also taken new Irish recruit Niall McKeever under your wing. How do you go understanding him at home?

We both talk about as quickly as each other so it's probably harder for him to understand me!

It's good though, because we can talk about whatever we like with other people around and they will have no idea what we're saying (laughs).

As a teenager, you used to bleach your hair blonde. Can we expect to see this again or are you staying with recognisable red hair?

Yeah, I went through a stage of the blonde hair back in my high school days.

Looking back though, I think it made me better looking. But I've moved on and embraced the red hair since then.

'B HAIR' in Bulimba are more than happy working with my red locks.

Any gossip on any of the boys lately?

Jack Redden has just recently invested in some body artwork. It's only very small but it has a bit of bite.

Bart McCulloch has been inspired by the 'Australia's Got Talent' show and is taking some beat-box lessons. It's pretty frustrating when he does it around the Club, but we wish him well.

Where do you like to eat out around Brisbane?

There are a few nice little restaurants around Oxford Street in Bulimba, but you can't go past the 2 for 1's at the Colmslie Hotel (laughs).

But when that's not on, I generally cook myself.

What is your specialty dish?

I am renowned for my carbonara. It gets a good work out in the kitchen at home and is also my pre-match meal that I cook.

What do you do on your days off?

If the weather's nice, a few of us head down to the beach at the Gold Coast for a swim. It freshens you up and is great for the body.

Is there anything bad about heading to the beach?

Those 30-plus sunscreen bottles stretch the budget...

Just to finish up Todd, who do you think has got the 'X-factor' at the Club on and off the field.

On the field I'd say Blacky. His work-rate and professionalism is great for us younger players to aspire to.

Off the field you can't go past Tommy Rockliff. He is always strutting his stuff and you are sure to know when he is around.

Thanks Todd for having a chat with us. Good luck for the rest of the season!