Australian rules football in Germany
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Australian rules football in Germany is played by five clubs, with the Australian Football League of Germany (AFLG) the governing body.
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[edit] History
The Frankfurt Redbacks and Munich Kangaroos were founded in 1995 and had been playing since 1996. The AFLG was officially created in 1999, but the two clubs only played occasional matches against each other for the first few years until the formation of the Berlin Crocodiles and the Hamburg Dockers made the possibility of a national league a reality. The German home and away season began in 2003 with these four clubs, Munich winning the premiership.
In 2004 the Düsseldorf Lions (formed in 2002) joined the AFLG, the league having a five-club structure for the following two seasons.
In 2006, a new French side, the Strasbourg Kangaroos, renamed themselves the Black Devils (to avoid a moniker clash with Munich) and entered the German league to experience regular league play. At roughly the same time, the Düsseldorf club rebranded to become the Rheinland Lions to reflect a shared home between Düsseldorf and nearby Köln (Cologne).
In 2007 the French team, the Strasbourg Kangaroos withdrew from the league to regain strength leaving five clubs and a 10 game league season plus addition tournaments.
[edit] Premierships
- 2006 Munich Kangaroos
- 2005 Munich Kangaroos
- 2004 Frankfurt Redbacks
- 2003 Munich Kangaroos
[edit] National team
The German national team has played two 'test' level matches to date, losing to Denmark and Sweden. The first appearance of an all-German national team was formed for the tri-nations series against Denmark and Sweden. It is possible that they may compete in the Australian Football International Cup in 2008, although 2012 may be more likely for financial and squad strength reasons. Scratch German national AFL teams have also at times competed under the names 'the Blitz' and 'the Eagles'.
In 2007 the German National Team will compete in the Tri-Nations series for the second year running against Sweden and Denmark. Berlin will host the Germany v. Sweden match on 7. july, 2007. The European Cup will also be hosted by Germany and will take place on on 15. September 2007 in Hamburg.
[edit] Current Clubs
- Frankfurt Redbacks
- Munich Kangaroos
- Berlin Crocodiles
- Hamburg Dockers
- Rheinland Lions
- Strasbourg Black Devils (French team) Not competing in 2007
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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