2019 Euro Cup Team Previews: Part Six
With just over a week now until the 2019 AFL Europe Euro Cup, this year the tournament will be held in Norrtalje, Sweden for what is set to be a thrilling day of football as national teams from 16 different European countries field their nations best players and over 350 players battle it out for the Cup.
This year’s edition of the Euro Cup will see all the games take place on Saturday the 29th of June. As part of the buildup, AFL Europe will be previewing all the teams competing. In our sixth edition of the team previews, we will be taking a closer look at the Irish Warriors and the Swiss Wolves in the men’s side of the competition and in the women’s, the Welsh Wyverns.
Men’s Competition:
Irish Warriors
Coach: Brian Currane
Captain: David McElhone
What has your preparation been heading into the 2019 Euro Cup?
We have had a very hectic schedule of footy since early January which included the AFL Ireland Universities having its busiest season so far which included the Fitzpatrick Cup, the Irish Universities Cup, Cork Colleges Cup which all led to the successful first ever International Universities Cup in April,
The domestic clubs also had a busy preseason with tournaments like the Leprechaun Cup and Rebel shield. And then we had the Belfast Redbacks attending the Champions League. We also held a number trial games with the Irish Warriors Development Squad.
There is real excitement around the Irish Warriors and this is to show with now over 60 players on the Development Squad which include a number of exciting new players that have been coming through our Talent Pathway Program, who are involved with the Universities teams, and also with the upcoming Winter 7s Provincial teams and the two newly formed Clubs in Munster and Ulster.
How many clubs are represented in your national team?
We have six clubs and two Universities represented on our squad including, Belfast Redbacks, Leeside Lions, Galway Magpies, South Dublin Swans, UCC Bombers, CIT Saints, Manchester Mosquitoes and West London Wildcats.
How many of your players are going to be making their Euro Cup debuts?
We have selected five debutants who have a great opportunity to establish themselves in the Warriors set up. Along with four players from last years tournament returning for only the second Euro Cup wearing the green Guernsey.
What can we expect to see from your team this Euro Cup?
Again like all our previous Euro Cups we will be the team that leaves everything on the field right up to the final siren playing through to our team core values.
We have a mix of quick and exciting players that will move the ball across the ground, along with some key position guys that are not short of height. Throw in a few guys that are serious tacklers and all this should lead to a new and exciting style of play for the Warriors.
What does competing in the Euro Cup mean to your team?
It means a lot to the Warriors to be competing in this amazing European tournament which grows in standard every year. For a player in any sport, it means the world to them to be able to represent their country in an international tournament and it goes without saying that every one of these players and coaches are honoured to represent their country under the Irish flag.
What are your expectations for the Euro Cup?
Every one of the 16 men’s sides competing in this years Euro Cup will have high expectations and will want to do the best they can, and the Irish Warriors know there will be many challenges through the day. Having been so close and getting to the Grand Final for the last three Euro Cups and having come away as runners up to three different Champions in, Denmark 2018, England 2017 and Croatia 2016, the Warriors will give everything that they can to go that one step further this year in what will be another very closely contested tournament.
Who are the players in your team that we should be watching out for?
Each player that’s selected for any Irish Warriors squad should be watched out for and this years squad is no different. Each player that will wear the Ireland Guernsey in Norrtalje has been selected for a specific role and reason and they all bring something that should be watched.
Do you have any extra bits of information about the team, like past years funny/interesting stories?
Interesting characters have always been a part of our Warriors teams, which always leads to interesting stories but that would be telling, during and after the event.
The Irish Warriors will be remembered in the 2019 Euro Cup for…
Being a team that everybody feared and nobody wanted to stand beside, while off the field everyone wants to be around us.
Swiss Wolves
Coach: Tommy Ross
Captain: Stefan Burgener
What has your preparation been heading into the 2019 Euro Cup?
All of our national team players have been training regularly for their respective clubs and playing in the newly started Swiss League. We have also held a few separate national team training sessions. The last one before the Euro Cup will involve a barbecue afterwards so everyone can get to know each other even better, especially our new players.
How many clubs are represented in your national team?
All three Swiss clubs are represented (Winterthur Lions, Basel Dragons, Geneva Jets).
How many of your players are going to be making their Euro Cup debuts?
We’ll have five players making their Euro Cup debut in the men’s. As footy has been growing in Switzerland, we’ve also been able to recruit some exciting new local talent.
What can we expect to see from your team this Euro Cup?
A team that wants to work hard from start to finish throughout each game of the tournament.
What does competing in the Euro Cup mean to your team?
We don’t take it for granted and are very humbled to have the opportunity to represent our country. Also, these large tournaments are always a lot of fun and great to meet people with similar interests across the globe.
What are your expectations for the Euro Cup?
We expect to compete hard in every game, and win at least one game.
Who are the players in your team that we should be watching out for?
Everyone is probably going to say this, but I wouldn’t single out one player, working hard for each other, communication and working together as a team is what will make the difference on the pitch.
The Swiss Wolves will be remembered in the 2019 Euro Cup for…
Having many surprises.
Women’s Competition:
Welsh Wyverns
Coach: Jess Sallers
What has your preparation been heading into the 2019 Euro Cup?
We were fortunate enough to take part in the National University League which has upped our game time and has given us a chance to trial new positions and combinations. We’ve been training together as a team and even having a BBQ before we fly out. Bring on the burgers!
How many clubs are represented in your national team?
Being the only AFL club in Wales, the Welsh Wyverns all come from the mighty Cardiff Panthers.
How many of your players are going to be making their Euro Cup debuts?
Due to the pool of Welsh players almost doubling this year, we are excited to have eight debutants!
What can we expect to see from your team this Euro Cup?
On the field we will have players working hard for each other and linking up for great passages of play. Paired with great tenacity and a never give up attitude. Off the field we will have an awesome social atmosphere with great banter and questionable dance moves.
What does competing in the Euro Cup mean to your team?
Representing your country in a European tournament is a great honour and should be done with pride. For Wales, it’s a chance to up our game and test ourselves against the best in Europe and leave our mark as high quality football players. In the future we’d like to establish a second team in Wales so the Euro Cup is an opportunity to raise the profile of the women’s game and bring our momentum home.
What are your expectations for the Euro Cup?
A great competitive and social atmosphere! A chance to get to know our fellow footy players and strengthen the bonds in the AFL Europe community.
Who are the players in your team that we should be watching out for?
As a group, we have such a diverse range of skills and everyone offers something. To name a few, Martha Williams is a great ball winner and has an excellent work rate. Jenny Green’s experience and cool head make her an asset under pressure and Sophie Williams is a newbie with a lot of potential.
Do you have any extra bits of information about the team, like past years funny/interesting stories?
Lots of our players have crossed over from different sports such as hockey, rugby and netball. Two of our players even play American football for Great Britain.
The Welsh Wyverns will be remembered in the 2019 Euro Cup for…
Good banter, great football and an awesome team spirit.
Liam McAllion – AFL Europe
