Belushi’s Presents: Player Spotlight – Theresia Meißner

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. 

Now through her first year of the game, German AFL player Theresia Meißner has adapted extremely well to Aussie Rules and has found a real passion of hers since picking up the Sherrin.

Growing up playing soccer, handball and orienteering, Theresia found that many of the physical attributes in her sporting background translated well to the Australian game and she was able to adapt quickly.

Theresia quickly realised how playing AFL in Europe is like being a part of a family, not to mention the opportunities to explore new places for international matches and tournaments.

Already playing in six countries across Europe, Theresia has embraced any match or tournament she can be a part of and will always be there when her team needs her.

“It’s the first sport for me where you don’t just play together instead you are also playing for your teammates. That leads the team spirit to a new level that I have not experienced before. I like the combination of sport, travelling and the community feel of it all. With so many events and clubs across Europe there is the opportunity to explore lots of new places,” said Theresia.

Photo by Patrick Vielcanet

Now one of Hamburg Dockers most important players, Theresia has found a love for the style of the game and for being around a club that prides itself on bringing everyone together.

Since building over this short period of time Theresia has already become one of the side’s top players, from building her running tank in other sports a real strength of Theresia’s is her fitness and ability to break the lines through running.

This ability to fit into the game from other sports perfectly has built Theresia’s accolades, already winning a Dockers Best and Fairest award and selected in the Team of the Tournament in the 2018 Euro Cup tournament and the 2019 Champions League.

Adding to all this in her first full year of playing the game, Theresia has represented her nation, Germany in the last two Euro Cups, being the best player in the teams inaugural Euro Cup in 2018 and honoured to be a part of women’s AFLG history.

“The biggest highlight so far was the Euro Cup 2018. We, the German Eagles, joined this tournament for the very first time. We had barely played together and had little experience but were the surprise of the tournament, wining three out of five games and finishing fifth. The team developed so much from each match and I experienced a team spirit I have never felt playing before in any other team sports in my life,” said Theresia.

Turning into a vital asset for whichever team she plays in, Theresia has built so much confidence and new skills in the space of one year and the players and staff around her all love having her in their side.

“All those who have played for or against the Dockers or Germany know our biggest superstar is Theresia Meißner. She improves week on week and is an unbelievable talent with great skills and understanding of the game, and not to mention she is crazy fit and plays 95% games on ball,” said Dockers Lisa Wilson.

This type of recognition is amazing for any player and with her commitment to become one of Europe’s top players, her efforts and training has not only brought Theresia herself some success but her efforts flow onto the people around her.

 

Special thanks to Belushi’s for helping grow the game in Europe

Liam McAllion – AFL Europe