The dual SAFF Premiers can add yet another trophy to their growing cabinet, continuing their dominance of AFL Footy in Stockholm after taking home the VB Cup on Saturday, 6 June, 2009.

Match  1: Solna Axemen defeated Helsingborg Saints

Coach Porublev knew that this win was crucial for both advancing in the tournament and for his teams’ confidence. The starting line-up saw Jesus as captain, Danne return to the ruck, back-pocket Porn star Pete as a crumbing forward and Matzilla as the tall target in the goal square.  The whistle is blown and we’re on our way. Danne dominates the ruck and the Axemen are off to a flyer. The bench is being used effectively and after the first 12 minutes of footy in Falun, the Axemen find themselves ahead, despite starting the match with  a 15 point deficit due to the tournaments rules regarding the fielding of non-australian players. The Solna midfield silenced the Saints key players, Mats had a kicked a goal and the defense, once again led by the reliable “Hamish” was rock solid. A quick prep-talk at half-time and game on again.  The second half saw the Brothers of Kent & Ted running through the midfield and some encouraging teamwork. The Saints played well, including several fantastic rebounds out of the half back line but in the end, Solna had created a big enough lead in the first half to win the match by 10 points. First win of Season 2009 is only soured with an injury to first gamer Richard and seasoned veteran Stabo, who injured his leg leaving him unavailable for the rest of the tournament.

Match  2: Falun Diggers defeated by Solna Axemen

With their confidence growing after a first round win, it was time for the big stage against the home town favorites, the Diggers led by the passionate Cameron. Same set up as before, same result as before. Come half time, the Axemen had taken the lead due to the backlines’ fantastic effort and consistency. The second half saw Axemen at their absolute best. Falun did not score a goal and the Axemen were running amok. Danne dominated the hit-outs all over the ground, Tjernlund was kicking goals along with almost every other Solna player and Solna ended up winning with 50 points.

Quarter-Finals :  Solna finished first after the group matches on percentage and had therefore earned the right of the bye, which would turn out crucial come semi-finals. Other quarter finals saw the Helsingborg Saints, Södermalm Blues and Port Malmö advancing to the semi finals.

Match  3: Semi-Finals – Solna Axemen defeated Port Malmö

Port Malmö had not lost a match in their own league down south, and with part-time Axemen Parker on their side were always going to be a tough match up. This match was a tight encounter with both teams working hard defensively. Solna’s seasoned players in Brothers of Kent & Ted and the coach himself worked hard as usual, it was the second efforts – the tackling, chasing, running and leading and marking from the non-aussies Jesus and Sean in the back and Nabb and Matzilla through the midfield and up forward that arguably won this match for Solna. That, and Jesus’ willingness to be out in front putting his body on the line deep in defense in the dying seconds, earning a free kick and more importantly denying Port’s Parker a chance at a winning goal.

Match  4: VB Cup Grand Final – Solna Axemen defeated Södermalm Blues

The organizers could not have written the script better than this.  Stockholms biggest rivals competing for the VB Cup. On one side, the favorites- Södermalm Blues. On the other- the surprise of the tournament- the Solna Axemen.  Jesus goes to shake hands, and wins the coin toss and Solna are kicking with the wind. The instructions from Coach Porublev are simple:  Play hard, use your brains and kick long. The ball is thrown up and Solna dominate. The ball is moving quickly and cleanly out of defense and Brother of Ted is playing the game of his life. He is kicking goals from 45 metres out and finishes the first half with 5 goals straight. Utility Broby also joins in the goal kicking after actually bending down and picking up the ball of off the ground, straightens up and kicks a beautiful running goal from 30 out. The siren sounds and the Axemen leave Söder shell shocked and are up by nearly 4 goals.

Knowing full well Söder will come out firing, Coach Porublev decides to throw an extra man in defense. It works a treat. With 4 minutes remaining, Solna are still up by 14 points and they can smell the Cup. Söder had other ideas. They kick 2 goals in 3 minutes and it’s game on! With 15 seconds to go, Hamish, who had controlled the backline all day takes what turns out to be the winning mark at full back and wears down the clock. The siren sounds and Solna are VB Cup Champions 2009.

We would like to thank:
- all the teams who participated, some had long journeys and it is great to see the love of our sport spread so widely in Sweden
- The sponsor, the people behind the BBQ and the Kiosk and all the people who came out to watch the games and support their favorite clubs
- Our arch rivals Södermalm for going undefeated with us until the end when we kicked your ass once again
- And Cameron and the Falun Diggers for putting on a fantastic VB Cup 2009. Cheers!!