[tps_header]Preview: 2015 Austrian Football League[/tps_header]
[tps_title]American Football Bund Österreich[/tps_title]
The clamor from fans for the start of the 2015 season in Austria has been unprecedented this past off season, a testament to the growing popularity of American football in this alpine country. It has gained such a secure foothold that the NFL broadcasting team in Austria – Walter Reiterer and Michael Eschlbock – have been nominated for a major television award in Austria.
The Austrian Football Federation (AFBÖ) season kicks off the 2015 season this Sunday with the traditional rivalry in a game that is already being billed by both teams as the most important game of season as the defending champion Vienna Vikings host their arch rivals, the Swarco Raiders. An Austrian Bowl rematch, it marks the start of the race for Austrian, and maybe even European supremacy.
Let’s take a look at all five teams.
Jim Ward, Ivan Zivko, Shuan Fatah, Chris Calaycay und Blaine Bennett. The AFL Coaches are ready for the 2015 AFL season.
[tps_title]Vienna Vikings[/tps_title]
A champion looks to the future
The defending champion Vienna Vikings will have an exciting season, although they will be less dominant than in previous years. With the loss of nine starters from last year’s championship squad, head coach Chris Calaycay will be looking to his younger players to fill the gaps. However, the backups are considered among Austria’s best players.
The team announced that one of the nine starting players not returning is the natural leader of the team and the national team quarterback Christoph Gross. He will be replaced by 20 year old Alexander Thury. It is a sign of confidence by the coaches, deciding to use their import at another position. Calaycay on his new quarterback;
“I expect a lot from Alexander. He has potential and is physically and mentally strong. But he is still young and will make his mistakes.”
Losing stalwarts like Laurhinho Walch, who has gone to Frankfurt, and national team offensive lineman Valentin Gruber will hurt as they both have been well known faces in the Vikings organization. Calaycay ready to take this on as a challenge;
“Although we have lost nine starters compared to 2014, we still remain true to our philosophy. This year is a big step in our development.”
But the team from the Austrian capital is the three-time defending champions and it is always difficult for other teams to play at Hohe Warte Stadium in Vienna where the crowd acts as one to support their team.
The first regular season game could be the most important for the Vikings against sworn enemies, the Swarco Raiders.
[tps_title]Swarco Raiders[/tps_title]
The ambition of a European champion
There is no question about it. The Swarco Raiders from Innsbruck want to win it all this year. They are so determined that head coach Shuan Fatah and his staff have decided to add another competition to their busy schedule: the ‘Battle 4 Tirol.’ There are even whispers that they could play a national team.
“The Vikings may be hurting right now, but that’s what makes them dangerous. After three league titles, they are already the favorite.”
Offensive coordinator Lee Rowland will rely on quarterback Sean Shelton who most recently helped guide the Helsinki Roosters to the Finnish and IFAF Champions League titles. Also a veteran of the French league, Shelton will quarterback a team who has lost Austria’s best running back as Andreas Hofbauer left for Kiel in the German league. His will be replaced by mercurial Talib Wise in the backfield, while former CFL linebacker Wendell Brown helps shore up the defense. However, only one import is allowed on the game day roster in Austrian league play this year so Coach Fatah will be doing some juggling as the year progresses.
Nevertheless, the Raiders will be dangerous for any team to face, especially with the arrival of import coaches Tony Allen (from British champion London Warriors), Richard Yancy and the return of Wade Smith in charge of the 2nd team program.
On Sunday the 22nd, the defending champion the Vienna Vikings will host the Swarco Tirol Raiders.
[tps_title]Danube Dragons[/tps_title]
The Danube Dragons have not made the trip to the Austrian Bowl since 2010.
This season again, head coach Ivan Zivko’s team will be rebuilding. National team wide receivers Thomas Haider and Georg Pongraz have decided to retire.
“We have had a major upheavel on offense but with Alex Good, we have a great package that gives me confidence for the upcoming season.”
On the defensive side, the unit remains intact for coordinator Stefan Pokorny except for the loss of starter Mikey Kühnmeyer and the arrival of Thomas Seiler on the defensive line..
[tps_title]Graz Giants[/tps_title]
The Giants continue their metamorphosis. New head coach Blaine Bennett comes in to replace coach Nick Johansen (left for Poland).
“I am looking forward to my job where my focus will naturally be on the development of Christopher. He has very good potential, with great speed and a strong arm. Now it is therefore, to give it the finishing touch. “
This marks a return of sorts for the Bennett family, as Blaine’s father coached the Vikings many years ago.
[tps_title]Prague Black Panthers[/tps_title]
The Prague Black Panthers intend to take another step up in the Austrian league. They are no longer content it seems to be on the outside looking in and have set a championship berth as their goal. If that were to happen, it would be the first time a non-Austrian team achieved that feat.
The best recruiting effort for the Black Panthers was convincing 2014 Austrian MVP Kyle Newhall-Caballero to return to the Czech team. The American brings his team back into contention for the AFL playoffs and may be more.
“I feel very comfortable in Prague, the whole team tasted how it felt to make the playoffs last year, and now they want more,” said Kyle Newhall-Caballero