Old farts, Young guns and....Finns.
The third year turned out to be the biggest challenge yet for SAFF due to the loss of many players, but at the end of 2006 the league stood stronger than before. For the regional side Stockholm Dynamite the year was a big step forward with bronze in the Sheepstations Cup. With an emerging Finnish team a Baltic tournament was quickly set up between Stockholm and Finland. New for the year was also the highly appreciated Old boys vs. Young guns game. In all 44 players originating from Sweden, Australia, Ireland, Germany, New Zeeland, USA and South Africa participated in SAFF organised games during 2006.
SAFF made a serious investment in junior development with 6000 Skr spent over the year. The money went into support of players/instructors doing clinics in schools around Stockholm. More than 400 children in the ages 8-16 years old from 9 different schools had their first taste of the oval ball.
The social scene consisted of Australia Day at Foggy Dews, a quiz night, bowling, poker nights, ANZAC day game and the AFL Grand Final breakfast held at the Foggy Dews.

The SAFF Premiership featured Northern Axemen, Central Royals and Southern Sharks playing 6 games, with Royals and Axemen going through to the final. The Grand Final was played on a beautiful sunny day on a full sized pitched on the Årsta back oval. Due to several injuries during the game the two teams were reduced from 9 to 7 players on the field, players who ran their hearts out in the hot sun. Royals were on top during most of the game but a ferocious come back by the Axemen diminished the lead at the end of the 4th quarter. The siren went as the last kick was in the air and when it passed between the big posts this meant that the scores were even. Both teams were to nackered to play extra time so the game ended a draw (53-53).

SAFF Awards
Leading Goal Kicker – Trevor Edwards
SAFF Clubman of the Year – Damian “JC” Hopkins
Best and fairest player –


In the first ‘Old boys vs. Young guns’ game the cut was set at 30 years old. It was evident that experience is more important than good looks as the old farts won by 85-66, much thanks to Marcus Rappoccio and Ryan Kingsley who were responsible for 9 of the 12 goals.
In late May SAFF held a social touch footy tournament; Stockholm 6s. The four teams; Waldo’s Weirdos (winners), IT Team, Professors and Kista Kangaroos, featured players as well as friends and family.
In addition SAFF played an exhibition game during the Stockholm 10s rugby tournament in order to promote the game of Australian Football.

The regional team Stockholm Dynamite went over for the first game of three against Finland in the Baltic Cup. After a slow start in the 1st quarter the Miters began to push forward and enjoyed a handy lead at the beginning of the 4th quarter. The Finns however had not given up and came back hard in the last quarter and got within a couple of goals. In the end Stockholm proved too strong for their eastern brothers and won by (61-49). Report

The 2nd game was played in Stockholm on a beautiful day in June with temperatures in the high 20s. The conditions turned out to be hard and decisive. Score wise the game was very much like the first clash against the Finns. However this time the last quarter turned out be even closer and the Lions almost went the whole way, losing only by 5 points (49-44). Report

The second time Stockholm went to Helsinki the big question was whether the Lions had improved even further. Well, the Finns came out flying this time and during the first half they managed to get almost every kick towards goal between the big posts. The Miters were left standing just watching the ball go over their heads. In the 3rd quarter they Stockholm boys got within 9 points but in the last quarter the Lions sealed the deal (56-36). The Dynamite coach was left wondering if he should have given the Finns 3 fresh Stockholm players as the Lions were low on numbers. Report
All in all, a great tournament with Stockholm finishing on top and a big learning experience for both teams. Hopefully this could be the start of a beautiful friendship between the two footy leagues.

Stockholm sent a team to Sheepstations/Scania Cup which was played in Landskrona this year. Dynamite lost then first game against South Dublin but then cleared the way to the finals by four straight wins against Jutland, Helsingborg, Malmö and Brussles. The semi final against Farum turned out to be a nail biter. The young Danish players were in the lead during most of the game but Stockholm came back and got in front in the last minute, winning the game by 2 points. In the preliminary final Stockholm was up against previous cup winners Reading. Stockholm refused to be intimidated by the Poms and played one of the better games of the season. Reading were in the lead during the game but Stockholm fought back and were never down more than 2 goals, much thanks to Old man Wareing who played a blinder of a game. At the last minute the scores were even but after a more than controversial goal umpire decision Stockholm lost the match by 7 points. Reading went on to win the cup and Stockholm finished 3rd.

Early in October Sweden played the second game in the Tri-nations Cup in Landskrona against Germany. The Swedish team featured Stockholm players Patrik Karlsson, Michael Nabb, Joel Tjernlund, Patrik Hyberg, Tim Bisander and Lars Hagberg. The Elks won comfortably 96-21 with goals scored by both of the Olsen twins and Pat Hyberg got voted as one of the best players.

SAFF Board
President – Damian Waldron
Vice President – Lars Hagberg
Secretary – Ben Kirk
Manager of Marketing and Finance – Daniel Perillo
Manager of Football Operations – Philip Porublev