The hungry 2011 Lions travelled up north to Hamburg to take on the Dockers who returned to the AFLG competition in 2011.  A long 5 hour bus trip and late arrival at the ground did not stop the enthusiasm and spirit of the Lions who were ready to go from the first bounce.

First quarter: Bang Boom, Bam – The Lions came out on fire, although they only had 15 minutes to warm up before the game.  It was a great effort in the first quarter by all players as they put their authority on the game and let the Dockers know it was a going to be a very hard day in office.  5 goals to 0 – Goals to Ant, Josh, Marcie, Bakes and Thom W

Second quarter:  The game continued as in the first quarter with the Lions dominating the Dockers at every contest and moving the ball forward with ease where they continued to stack on the goals, although a little inaccurate in the second.  5 goals to 0 – Goals to Pete (3), Bakes and Michi

Third quarter:  Probably the best quarter of football the Lions have played in the last years. The Lions stepped up another gear after the long break and tore the Dockers to shreds with quick hands, feet and ball skills. 9 goals to 1 goal (a little lucky, but that’s football) – Goals to Pete (3), Luke (2), Ant, Gero, Josh and Bakes

Fourth quarter: Although the game was dead and buried the Lions did not stop for a minute continuing to punish the Dockers at every contest and ran them into the ground until the final siren sounded.  5 goals to 0 – Goals to Pete, Dirka, Josh, Michi and Rolli

The final score a true reflection of the game with the Lions defeating the Dockers 24.13.157 to 1.3.9.

After the game the Lions enjoyed the great weather with a BBQ and beers in the park.  The Lions entertained the locals when they all dove into the icy waters in the city park lake much to the astonishment of onlookers.  From there it was off into the city where they entertained all the people on the trams with some lovely singing and dancing.  Then it was time to hit Hamburg’s famous Reeperbahn where the Lions kicked off their shoes, partied, danced and enjoyed a few quiet beverages (well maybe more than a few).  A few players were seen at the Fish Market early Sunday morning, before getting back on the buses for the 5 hour trip back to Cologne. It was a great game of football and a great night by all the players.

Thank you also to all the supporters that made the trip to Hamburg and those at the ground.  Was a fantastic atmosphere and you all helped push the Lions to another win.

It has been a fantastic start to the 2011 season but the Lions will not rest now and keep training hard as they prepare for the big games that are coming – Lions take on Munich at home in 2 weeks (repeat of last years GF) and then travel to Berlin to take on the undefeated Crocs on their home turf….ROOOAAAAARRR.

Player review:

Lukey– Another great game by the skipper.  Controlled the back line, took great grabs, moved the ball with some great kicks up forward.  Got into the scoring action kicking 2 great goals.

Gero – Is playing fantastic football in the back line, coming out of defence he is unstoppable.  Reading play after the play and linking up with players all over the ground.  Got down into the forward line where he also kicked a goal. Great stuff.

Ant– Another coach’s game, real hard at the football, took a lot of grabs and always an option around the ground.  Kicked his usual 2 goals again.  Had a run in with Peter Garrett on Saturday night.

Michi– “The Entertainer” and one great footballer. Getting stronger and stronger with every game.  Has stepped up into a real leader on the field with great run, talk and options.  He scares the pants of anyone near him, including himself.  Super.

Josh– Had another great game, taking grabs at will and getting into the action every time the ball came forward.  A little inaccurate kicking did not alter the fact the amount of chances he worked to get.  Ended up bagging 3 (one from the sideline with a banana). After the game showed the rest of the Lions his great fashion sense.

Chrissy– Coming back from injury had a blinder of a game.  Full of run, was an option all day and got into every contest he could.  Also provide lots of voice, not only on the ground but after the game and through the whole night.  Fantastic.

Pete – Making his return to the Lions in 2011 after a series of injures that almost ended his career, thank god it didn’t though.  Amazing game in the forward line, kicking goals from everywhere with both left and right.  Ended up bagging 7 for the day, Brilliant.

Viktor– Playing his first game for the Lions and after a few minutes working out what was going on, got right into the game and into the packs using his strength to get the ball.  Also provide an option around the ground with lots of run.  Great first game.

Consti– He’s back, great game, super in the backline and super in the middle.  Hard at the ball, lots of talk and encouragement, great control of the football, great stuff.

Schiko– The Tank is really finding his feet playing Aussie Rules.  Hard at the ball, creating options and even had a run in the Ruck where he did a great job.  Keep up the good work, great stuff.

Rolli – Continued his great form with another outstanding game.  Hard at the football, great option out of the backline and got on the scoreboard again with a great goal. Fantastic.

Dave– The full back had to start on the bench due to falling down ill on Friday night but you wouldn’t have known it when he came on the ground.  Into the action everywhere, playing every position did a fantastic job.  Great stuff

Thom – Playing his first game starting in the middle and did a fantastic job.  Still learning the ropes but is definitely a player to watch for the rest of the year.  Hard at the ball as always and scored a blistering goal on the run.  Super

Che – Continues to improve with every game.  Had another great game playing both forward and back.  Hard at the football and always an option.  Super.

Mick– Absolutely outstanding.  Had to play in the Ruck again and gave away at least a foot in height but that meant nothing as Mick won basically every contest all day, tapping the ball down to the centre players like a Lion feeding his cubs.  Was also an option all over the ground and was full of run.  Who said “White men can’t jump”.  Brilliant

Dirka– A great game by the berserker and showing the improvement of hard training.  Lots of run, strong in the air, was a great option both in the backline and forward line as well as hard at the football.  Slotted through a great goal.  Great stuff.

Marcie– Mr Consistent, the assassin played another great game and is always there when needed.  Real hard at the ball, great run on the wing and was always an option. Super.

Bakes– Is now at home in the German League with another standout performance. Unstoppable in the middle, getting clearance after clearance and was into every contest.  Disposal around the ground is fantastic, what an asset to the Lions.  Kicked 3 great goals.

Menschy– Was on the sidelines cheering on the Lions before running in the Hamburg Marathon on Sunday in a great time of 3.37. Fantastic effort.

Tim S– Made the trip to Hamburg and helped out on game day and one of the last men standing on Sunday morning. Great

ROOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!!