An epic start to the 2026 AFL Switzerland season with nail-bitingly close games, Bern Bears competing in their first ever match and beers in Lake Geneva at the end of the day!
It was great to have some special guests join us at round 1:
AFL Switzerland ambassador – Patrick Canion from Atlas Wealth Group, helping out with the goal umpiring duties.
AFL Switzerland ambassador Andrew Busby from the Australian Swiss Chamber of Commerce, cheering on from the sidelines.
Andrew Ryan from FIBA Media enjoying the footy and looking forward to a future club in Lausanne.
Kristian Doolan from Vinoroo, who was also a former AFL Switzerland committee member, cycled down to catch all the action!
Also
Fresh from winning the golden whistle at Champions League, It was great to have AFL Switzerland umpire Jacob Gome back blowing the whistle in our league in 2026. And it was fantastic having AFL Germany Umpire Ioanna Kopasaki officiating on the day. We‘re hoping she umpires more this year!
Playing in both Champions League and the ANZAC Cup recently didn‘t slow down Maxim Allen, from the Geneva Jets, who currently leads the 2026 Goal Kicking Leaderboard with 9 goals in the opening round.
And of course we saved the best for last – The players! They worked hard all day and provided great entertainment on the field for everyone to enjoy!
📸 Photos by our official AFL Switzerland photographer Antonela Vukic Nanjara
