A perfect Friday night at Årsta. The Swans for the first time in their short time of involvement in SAFF managed to field 3 non-Aussie players and Solna- the reigning two time premiers desperate to record their first win of Season 2009.

The Ump throws up the ball and the game is on its way. Årsta take control of the game early with clean possession and team play through the midfield. Hugh is doing his best down back for Solna to keep the Swans forwards honest but it is their midfield who is running circles around Solna and the Swans take the lead early with the first couple of goals. Solna manage to enter the forward 30 often but their tall timber in Broby and Tjernlund are dropping marks and in the end it is Solna’s first year player, Ole who after 10 minutes crumbs the ball beautifully and snaps from 20 meters out to put Solna on the board. This wakes up Solna and the last 5 minutes of the first quarter produce further goals to make the quarter time difference only 2 points despite Årsta dominating the majority of the play.

Solna picked up where they left off- everyone’s favourite giant winning the ruck contests but due inaccurate kicking the Axemen could not put pressure on the scoreboard. Then the Giant lost his temper and got into a tangle with Scooter, leaving them both suspended for 10 minutes. With Mats of the ground, the Swans’ ruckman Boots dominated in the ruck and the two sides exchanged goals and at half time Årsta had doubled their qtr time lead to 4 points: 45 to 41.

The third quarter saw Solna take control early on as Brandon playing in the backline chipped in with a fantastic solo effort kicking a great running goal and Solna’s newest recruit Simon nearly kicking goal of the year – his kick eventually hitting the post. Suddenly Årsta found some spirit and started attacking the ball as they had in the first half with Chris and Brett and Peter taking control. However, their inaccuracy was costly as they kicked 1.5 for the quarter leaving the 3rd qtr score 56 to 55.

Coach Kingsley tried to inspire his chargers at 3 qtr time, knowing full well that a win would put Solna in the mix of things and a loss making the rest of the season a tough up-hill battle. However, it was not to be. Solna’s forwards were well beaten and Årsta kicked two goals to 1 making the final margin 10 points (70-60). Joel finally kicked a goal after the siren, however it was not allowed.

Solna may have lost the match, but two big positives from the match were Solna’s first year players – Ole and Simon, who were amongst Solna’s best.