About Us

When I first moved to Australia, I wasn’t quite sure where I fit in. I remember asking a friend what people here do for fun, how you meet others and stop feeling so “new.” She smiled and said, “Try Pokémon cards.”

At the time, it was nothing serious. I’d pick up a pack here and there, enjoy the nostalgia, the surprise, that small rush when you pull something cool. Without realising it, though, the hobby slowly worked its way into my routine… and then into my life.

I started from the very beginning. No experience in the TCG world, no understanding of events, and no idea just how big and welcoming the community was. I spent time at local markets, watching, listening, asking questions, and learning from the people around me. One seller eventually became more than just someone I bought from, he became a mate, someone who shared real advice and real experience. That encouragement led me to start doing weekly markets myself, mostly just for fun.

That’s when something special happened.

People didn’t just come by to buy, they came back to talk. Collectors shared their chase cards, their pulls, and their stories. Even stepping into bigger events wasn’t easy. I missed out on getting a table twice, but when I finally did, seeing collectors light up made one thing clear: this was more than a hobby. It was a community.

And I wasn’t doing it alone. My wife has been my biggest support from day one, believing in me when I wasn’t sure, grounding me when I overthought, and eventually becoming part of the hobby herself. What began as me collecting sealed product turned into something we now share; opening packs together, collecting together, and enjoying the hobby side by side.

When people started asking, “So when are you opening a store?” I didn’t know if it was even possible, but my wife did.

Together, we built Cardz Mate. Not just as a business, but as a thank you, to everyone who supported us, trusted us, and welcomed us into this community. Our goal is simple: to do things the right way and create a warm, welcoming space for collectors of all kinds.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This is only the beginning, and we’ll always be grateful to the community that brought us here.