IC17 Player Spotlight – Florian Naumann

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Each week AFL Europe is profiling a European player who is participating in IC17 and finding out a little more about them, how they got into the great game of Aussie Rules and how they feel about the upcoming International Cup.

Name:

Florian Naumann                                                                                                

Club:

Hamburg Dockers

Nationality:

German

What position do you play?

Ruck/Centre Half Back

AFL team you support & who is your favourite AFL player:

Essendon Bombers – James Hird

How did you find out about AFL?

Student exchange programme in 2006 – I stayed in Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne with a host family who were big Bombers fans. They took me to my first game at the MCG, the Bombers won and I ended up going to 3 more games during my stay!

How long have you been playing for?

6 years, since July 2011.

What is the highlight of your playing career so far?

Winning the MVP award in the German Grand Final in 2016.

Who is the toughest player you have played on & why? 

Marc Cashman (GB), he’s a big bloke and so very hard to find ways to defend him

Have you played in the International Cup previously? 

No – this will be my first.

Who is the player to watch in your team & why?

Ruben Streicher – because he is a tree on the oval! Also, Martin Schuetthoff – he has developed loads over the last year and will play a big role in the centre.  

Have you visited Australia before & what are you most excited about seeing?

Yes – as above, I was on a student exchange in 2006. I can’t wait to go and watch another game at the MCG, the home of footy, the atmosphere is electric.

Any other interesting information, quirky stories or interesting things about yourself?

I’m looking forward to going back to Windy Hill, where my Footy career began. During my stay in Victoria I was lucky to meet James Hird at the Bombers’ home ground. Since starting football I have always worn Hird’s No.  5 on my jersey in memory of my biggest football idol. It would be fantastic if I could tell him personally that I left Australia as an excited teenager and have now returned as the captain of the German team, wearing his number.