Belushi’s Presents: Player Spotlight – Amanda Teglhus
Each week, AFL Europe in combination with Belushi’s will take a look at one of our star players competing in fixtures across the continent in Player Spotlight.
Playing Australian football for the past five years, Amanda Teglhus is now known as an experienced campaigner of the Australian game in Europe.
Since taking up footy, Amanda has proved to be a fantastic ambassador of the sport in Europe, not only improving her skills year on year but also assisting the growth of Australian football in Denmark and surrounding areas.
Upon hearing about AFL in 2014 with help from a University friend, Amanda is now immersed in the game and cherishes every moment she gets to play Australia’s game.
Moving to Odense, Denmark, Amanda planned on playing volleyball, but found her true passion through the uniqueness of AFL.
“My roommate made me participate in a footy training session, and I never looked back. Volleyball is fun, but tackling is more fun… I liked the social part, the unpredictable oval ball and not being sent out for a bump with some physicality really enticed me.”
Amanda’s move came at a perfect time for her to find this passion, as in 2014 the Odense Lions were founded and she has been a part of the club ever since.
Being a major contributor to the success of the Lionesses and continued progress of the club, Amanda has built her playing experience and has even represented her country playing for the Danish Valkyries in several edition’s of the Euro Cup.
Taking every opportunity that arises to play against other European teams, Amanda has many strengths that make her the player she is today.
“I like to run with or without the ball and that seems to be a major strength of mine and it is pretty convenient to be tall when I am in the ruck. I have also learnt through experience to do injury prevention training, I see myself as durable and am almost never injured from this training.”
Amanda describes the 2018 Champions League as one of her favourite memories, even making it into the Team of the Tournament for her amazing efforts on the day.
“I will never forget Champions League 2018… it was so special to travel with the Copenhagen boys team, we had great support from them and as we worked together as a team, not only did we have a successful tournament but the feeling of team spirit and support was priceless.”
Amanda was back in Amsterdam for the most recent Champions League tournament, but with a different role, helping out AFL Europe in an umpiring role.
Amanda has another great year of footy ahead of her and explains many of the reasons to why she plays Australian football, and why others should consider playing.
“The sportsmanship in this particular sport is amazing, it is a great community to be a part of, it feels like a second family spread across Europe. It makes me happy to know that wherever in Europe you go, there is always friendly and welcoming people ready to take care of another footy enthusiast.”
Liam McAllion – AFL Europe
Special thanks to Belushi’s for helping grow the game in Europe
