We caught up with one of the players from each CEFL Bowl XI participating team and asked them to share their impressions of this big event.
In front of Projekt Spielberg Graz Giants’ players, tight end Max Herdey has a big name to live up to, being the son of the team’s founder and Giants’ legend, Stefan Herdey. Max had this to say about the game:
Q: You had very tough games this season, losing only once to Tirol Raiders but beating them in the rematch. Did the success of your team come as a bit of a surprise to everyone?
MH: We worked really hard both in the offseason and in the preseason and our goal was and still is to take it one game at a time. We are happy with the outcome so far but still not satisfied and hungry for more.
Q: Does playing for the title make anything different in your preparations?
MH: We stay with what got us to this point, which is hard work during our week of preparation and enjoying every second of this journey.
Q: How well do you know your CEFL Bowl opponents?
MH: We never played Vukovi before, but we know that they have a very competitive and well coached football team. It will be exciting to play against them in the championship game.
Q: What do you think will bring favor to your team in this game?
MH: We will take it one play at a time on offense, defense and special teams and play Giants football for four quarters.
Q: What are your team’s strongest suits? Any players or positions you’d like to point out?
MH: Our biggest strength is the spirit within the team: “Teamwork makes the dream work”!
Q: Are there any individual matchups that the spectators and the TV audience should pay special attention to?
MH: I’m sure every single one of us will do his best to win his matchup on every single play. That’s why it should be a very competitive and exciting football game.
Q: What are your expectations for the game?
MH: Another chance for us to play this great game on our home field in front of our fans against a new and highly motivated opponent, as well as the opportunity to add another European championship to our great and loved organization, but most important another step to improve and become the best team we can possibly be.
One of SBB Vukovi’s defensive mainstays is safety Ivan Nedeljković. Jimmy, as he likes to be called has already racked up some big interceptions during the season. These are his thought on the upcoming challenge:
Q: SBB Vukovi are still unbeaten this season in the national and CEFL competitions, playing for trophies in both. What do you think separates this team from the rest and makes it so successful?
IN: First of all our attitude. We always play to win no matter who we play. Whoever stands in front of us we are going for a win. Secondly, every year we improve our roster by adding guys from the region and also by developing our own players. Having home grown players that are crucial for the team is maybe the most important thing when making a championship team.
Q: Does playing for the title make anything different in your preparations?
IN: It makes all the difference in the world. This is that one game you have to be ready and you just can’t allow yourself to have a bad day. Everybody needs to be focused and dialed in.
Q: How well do you know your CEFL Bowl opponents?
IN: Unfortunately, not too well. I know they are the second best team in Austria at the moment, which is a statement for sure. We know Austrian league is probably the best league in Europe alongside the GFL. Playing such an opponent is a challenge everybody’s looking forward to in Vukovi.
Q: What do you think will bring favor to your team in this game?
IN: I think our ability not to give up and to fight until the very last second of the game is something we take pride in.
Q: What are your team’s strongest suits? Any players or positions you’d like to point out?
IN: I think we play pretty good on both sides of the ball. We play as a team and every player brings his specialty to the table.
Q: Are there any individual matchups that the spectators and the TV audience should pay special attention to?
IN: We know Giants have some really good players that can change the momentum of the game. We respect that and we look forward to facing them this weekend.
Q: What are your expectations for the game?
IN: I expect my team to play at its highest standard because our opponent is one of the best teams in Europe this year.