#92 Dejan Filipović will be defending the pond in 2022
GH: You come to the Frog team from local rivals Ljubljana Killerbeese, which ended their operations this year. What are your first feelings about the new team?
I was well received by the new team, as we have known each other for a long time, we are indeed on the opposite side, but there have never been conflicts other than sports rivalry. Everyone who joins a new team needs to "feel" the terrain initially, both from one side. Then eventually, we all relax, and after that, the atmosphere is more relaxed.
GH: You also had other offers to continue your career; how and why did you decide on Ljubljana Frogs?
Due to the nature of the job, I decided to stay in Ljubljana, as driving would take me too much time and I would have to miss a lot of training, which is not recommended in this sport and in my position.
GH: In SFFL, you're already a veteran who has played in centre and defence positions. You have won the title of the best centre in the league in the centre position several times. How will you transfer this knowledge to the new team with the new passer?
With each new feeder (QB), it takes quite a bit of training and time to click between us, as my snaps are essential for attack development, as a fast and accurate snap means more time for the QB to read the game deliver on time. I'm also a "fuse" on short routes if all the other players are covered, so we need to connect with QB to know what someone thinks when the primary plan doesn't come out.
GH: How did you see Ljubljana Frogs as a team when you played against them, and how do you see Ljubljana Frogs now that you are part? Who was the hardest to play against?
Like any new team, in the beginning, you also watch closely at the Frogs, although many talents needed the right direction, so at first, I didn't see the team as a rival yet. Unfortunately, there were significant changes in the previous team, so we did not have a real city derby in the 2021 season, when the Frogs' work, effort and direction were known, as the progress was noticeable in the game. Now that I am part of the team, I notice that my talents are being used properly, so we will compete for the highest places by honing the acquired knowledge.
The hardest was to play against the Americans (Massflag and NP flag), the Danes (Armadillos), and the SFFL against the Badgers.
GH: How do you see the organization Ljubljana Frogs and your goals for the 2022 season?
The organization in the club is at the top level, and I believe that we would not defend something like that in any professional sport. It is up to us players to come to training, do our best, follow the instructions and implement this in matches. This will also bring better results both in the SFFL and abroad.
