LIVE STREAM: Ljubljana Silverhawks v. Graz Giants (2p CEST, 8a EDT)

The Graz Giants (1-0) host the Slovenians in their 2017 Austrian Football League home opener.

So for the 2017 AFL season has been a success for the Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants. The Giants earned their first victory in Hohenems, Austria against the Cineplexx Blue Devils. They now return  to their home grounds of ASKÖ Stadium Eggenberg to meet the Ljubljana Silverhawks (0-1).

Twice the Giants met the Silverhawks from Slovenia last year. On the first day of the 2016 season, the Austrian Bowl runners-up were able to win 17-7, kicking off the best season in recent years. Later in the season the Giants secured playoffs home field advantage in the AFL and the right to the Central European Football League (CEFL) final with a 23-6 win.

In week one, the Graz Giants scored five rushing touchdowns, while their defense held to Blue Devils to just six points.

Managing director Christoph Schreiner:

“We were able to win the important first win of the season. The first game is always difficult, you do not know exactly where you stand, how strong the opponent will actually be and how well the voting already works. On the other hand, the game is already past and we will meet on Saturday with a physically strong team from Slovenia, who could really keep up well with the Vikings for a very long time. We will not allow any mistakes and must be fully concentrated. But if that succeeds, I am confident that we can win the second victory – before a great backdrop at home.”

The Ljubljana Silverhawks started less successfully. The Dacia Vienna Vikings overwhelmed the Silverhawks 14-49. While the Silverhawks were able to keep the game close in the first half (14-21), the Slovenes were formally overrun in the second round and had to accept defeat in their opening match.

Tune into the LIVE STREAM: Ljubljana Silverhawks v. Graz Giants (2p CEST, 8a EDT)