World Footy News

Australian Football in Switzerland is back! Round one this weekend

July 1, 2021

With the latest easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, AFL Switzerland have been able to go ahead and confirm the fixtures and structure for the 2021 season.

Since full contact sports in groups of up to 50 people has been allowed for some weeks now, all four Switzerland based clubs have been able to resume regular training and are keen to get back to finally playing some footy.

The first friendly game of the season was held on Wednesday, June 23rd between the Zürich Giants and the Winterthur Lions, with players from the Basel Dragons splitting up for both teams.

 

It was a very even and intense, physical contest with all players involved putting in great effort and showing just how ready they are to get the season started. After the physical battle was played on a stormy night in Zürich, the camaraderie was beautiful with the Giants hosting everyone for a barbecue after the game.

It was a great celebration for the return of football and an awesome night out for supporters, players, umpires and everyone involved.

Final score: Zürich Giants 8. 9. (57) to Winterthur Lions 8. 14. (62)

The AFL Switzerland season will kick off this Saturday, July 3rd with the Geneva Jets taking on Zürich Giants in the first match of the round as a rematch of last years grand final.

The Giants have decided to name the upcoming round “Rhyder Round” in honour of their graphic designer, Tim Rhyder, who has designed all of their uniforms and merchandise and is leaving the country this summer.

 

The Swiss 9-a-side, mixed league has four rounds which will be held in Zürich (03/07/21), Winterthur (24/07/21) Geneva (14/08/21) and Lausanne (04/09/21). The exact date and venue of the grand final is yet to be decided but provisionally, it will take place late September or early October.

Each round, all three seniors teams will play each other once, as well as a reserves game between the Geneva Jets and the Basel Dragons resulting in four games played per round. As always, the on-field play will be followed by celebrations of the sport we all love.

2021 Teams

Seniors: Winterthur Lions, Zurich Giants & Geneva Jets.

Reserves: Basel Dragons & Geneva Jets.

Keelan Senn – Reporter for AFL Switzerland