Match of the Round
Rhein Main Redcats v Amsterdam Devils
10/08/2019 Ostpark, Frankfurt 4:00pm
In a chance to get some competitive match play in as a team and grow the bonds within the AFL Europe community, the German Rhein Main Redcats will face the Amsterdam Devils in a women’s clash this weekend.
The Amsterdam Devils side have some experienced and polished players, while the Rhein Main side are a combination of the Rheinland Lions and the Frankfurt Redcats but have found a great balance and are confident that they can again play well together.
Held in Frankfurt, all players are keen to face each other once again, after a meeting earlier in the year in the Netherlands was a huge success.
In their last encounter the Devils outshone the Redcats, who were an extremely new side at the time. With some time to work together as a team and the home ground advantage for the Redcats, expect a thrilling match up that will come right down to the wire.
For the Amsterdam Devils, they have not played a match since the Champions League in April so are extremely excited to be back on the field in a competitive environment.
Devils’ Captain Bridgette Allen describes the team’s feelings as they head over to Germany, “The girls are very excited as we haven’t had a game in a while… It’s a great chance for the Devils girls to actually get some more competitive game time! We have a couple of new players debuting so it will be a great game.”
In her debut match for the Devils, Gaelic player Kate Caulfield is expected to use her elite skills in a new sport this weekend. “We are anticipating her skills will cross over brilliantly, plus she has killer speed which will be an asset in the midfield,” said Bridgette.
With the coming together of two countries, Janine Becker of the Rhein Main Redcats is thrilled to see the growth of women in the sport and how these types of matches are extremely beneficial for the growth of the game in Europe.
“It is so great to see how you can find the spirit of footy and everything involved with it spreading in other countries! All the support between the teams from different countries is incredible. Seeing other clubs growing their women’s team and footy for women becoming bigger and bigger all over the world should be an inspiration for every other country,” said Janine.
One of the most improved players for the Redcats is Marie Kaiser. Only starting to play the game last year, her commitment to continuously improve has helped her become one of the Rhein Main’s best players and her skills across the ground will be pivotal to the side and exciting to watch.
This international match is set to be a great learning experience for all involved, and a chance for some new players to get a game under their belt. Both clubs are set to grow and succeed into the rest of 2019 and beyond, and this weekend’s international friendly is sure to show that both on and off the field.
Stay tuned to next week’s edition of Around the Grounds to see who came out on top!
Special thanks to Fine Wine Partners for their support of the growth of the game throughout Europe.
Liam McAllion – AFL Europe
