top of page

Rhein Fire @ Vienna Vikings | Match Grading | AFLE Week 3, 2026

  • Writer: Matt Bressington
    Matt Bressington
  • Jun 7
  • 2 min read

Rhein Fire 10 - 24 Vienna Vikings


A preview of the championship game, no doubt. Vienna looked the better team for every second of the game. The offence for Rhein Fire has disappointed when they needed it most.


Photo: Hannes Jirgal
Photo: Hannes Jirgal

Offensive Performance - 3*


  • The Vienna offensive line is just stunningly good.

  • Neither QB really caught fire in this game. Bahar has been a bit disappointing.

  • I really missed watching Harlan Kwofie play.

  • The depth of Vienna is just too much for anyone to handle.


Defensive Performance - 3*


  • Both teams had an INT. (The Matthews one was very clearly not an INT, but that's on the refs.)

  • Great pressure from the Vikings DL.

  • Nice jump on the pick by Noel Swancar.

  • Fire front 7 was killed by Vienna in this one.


Ref Performance - 3*


  • Terrible call on the Matthews INT.

  • Very flag happy.


Commentary (English) - 3*


  • I really love the duo; they both know Europe and were clearly having fun watching the game, just a few weird quotes.

  • "A sport that unites the world", not sure if this was meant ironically, given the current landscape.

  • No critique of bad ref calls or moments.


Big Moments/Game Drama - 2*


  • Being the guaranteed preview of the championship game does add some tension.

  • Refs slowed some of it down a lot with flags.

  • Rhein Fire's offence sputtered for a lot of the game.


Individual Performances - 3*


  • Harlan Kwofie is currently the best European receiver in Europe.

  • Love some Marius Kensy linebacker play.

  • Karri Pajarinen has continued to develop as one of the best European Running Backs.

  • Darrell Steward Jr is awesome too.


Ending - 2*


  • One score game in the 4th.

  • Vienna killed them with a long drive and score at the end that put it out of reach.


Overall Score - 2.71*


  • Close in score, but I once again feel Vienna are, far in a way, the best team in the league.



Games MVP - Vienna Offensive Line


  • Dominated the Fire DL.

  • Holmes had forever to throw the ball.

  • The run blocking was just another level above Rhein.


Finally, a somewhat even game in the AFLE.

Comments

bottom of page