By Mark Cianfagna
AFL Switzerland Reporter
Round 3 is set to be played at the most scenic AFL Switzerland venue: the LUC Rugby ground lakeside in Lausanne. Complete with unobstructed views of the Chablais Alps, it provides a scene like no other for footy. A hot, sunny day is expected, so slip, slop, slap and let’s get to some football australien!
Seniors
Game 1 – Geneva Jets vs. Basel Dragons
Game one will be played between the de facto host Geneva Jets and the Basel Dragons; ball up at noon. With the Jets coming off a loss, and with some key players back in the lineup, they will look the goods and likely dominate this match, trying to jump back into a top two spot with a big percentage change and some help in the other seniors match. The Jets are hoping for a full game from new ruckman Nick Hart, after he had to retire early in their Round 2 match. The Dragons, who have been struggling to keep games close, may again rely on some help from other clubs to fill out numbers, but will nonetheless be as formidable as always. The four week break will likely only mean improvements in team play and skill development for the young squad. Keep an eye out for Andrew Donbeirer in the red, black and white as he loves to play against the Jets and always shines against tough opponents. The opener of the day will likely be far from a barn-burner, but will kick-start the AFL campaign in Suisse-Romande.
Bold prediction: Jets win big while Dragons make improvements.
Game 2 – Zurich Giants vs. Winterthur Lions
Game two has all the pieces to be an absolute scorcher of a match between the top two teams on the ladder, the leading Winterthur Lions and the second-place Zurich Giants. The Lions are looking to continue their strong momentum built up in the first two rounds and create some space at the top of the ladder. According to their president, they should have a full squad coming down on the train and will be looking to get some revenge on geographical rival Zurich, who kept them out of last year’s Grand Final on percentage only. The Giants are hoping that with the return of some of their key players, they’ll have the skills to keep up. A win could push them to the top of the ladder, a place they are looking to grab and hold on to for the rest of the season, hoping to return for another shot at a premiership. A loss will likely drop them to third and will mean some catching up in the second half of the season for a chance at the flag.
A hot mid-afternoon day could play a role in how the match shapes out, but it should be a ripper of a game with both sides battling hard for the full 72 minutes.
Bold prediction: Let’s give the Lions their due, they’ve worked hard for years to get to the top and we don’t see them relinquishing that place easily. They’ll keep rolling and win this one by four goals.
Reserves
Game 3 – Geneva Jets vs. Northern Bears
With the Jets ressies likely to have a full squad and fewer players working double duty this week, they will be fresh and ready to avenge the last-kick loss in Round 2 in Winterthur. The Bears have been improving week over week, recruitment has been up and their confidence will be high after a close win last round. There is no question that they will keep this match tight and lead at times. They have shown that they can close a match, coming from behind in both games so far this season, and finishing the job in Round 2. They will be looking to buck the trend and have a strong start, allowing them to play with a lead and forcing the Jets onto their heels early. The Jets will have to respond with their team play and hope to keep their cool if the Bears attack early.
