I'm one non Aussie that call people mate....
The reason that I do is that I don't have english as my first language and don't really know the etiquett in what to call "dudes" that I interact with in this place. Sir, Mr, Dude, Mate, Friend or youuglyfoulingsonofashedog..... There are so many way's in adressing a fellow BloodBowler and Mate is quite easy to type and I'm quite certain that no one gets offend in being called that... In the swedish meaning of the word I'll guess it just means friend anyway.
So Arktoris... next time I speak with you I'll just call you my brother in arms, as I know you like Manowar as much as I do.... Keep your hammer high, ( Mate )