The 2009 SAFF season kicked-off with the Anzac day double-header at Årstafältet. It was clear from the outset that Södermalm was determined to win this game. Already at 11.00 the whole team was gathered in the change room and 10 minutes later they were outside warming up. Meanwhile, 3 lost Solna players were anxiously looking for their team mates. It was obvious that Söder was not interested in a replay of previous years’ opening games where they had lost to Solna. It was clear that they wanted revenge from last year’s GF loss. And this was the day to do it, beautiful weather, a big Anzac day crowd and the return of Södermalm star Daniel Jordan.
After the ceremony and tapto the teams took to the field. Solna started out blazing as usual with a goal within the first seconds but, as usual Söder retaliated quickly. The first quarter showed some good and hard football from both sides however Söder didn’t manage to utilise the wind and scores were levelled after the first quarter.
In the second quarter the Söder ruckmen Bourkie and Henirk showed that height isn’t everything and successfully neutralised Solna ruck man Madzilla, who was put as full forward for the rest of the game. The even game continued and after the 2nd quarter Solna was ahead with a couple of points, as a result of poor kicking by Södermalm.
In the 3rd quarter Söder took control of the ball and the game. The two Larsson brothers dominated in the air and the Solna big names Ryan and Joel did not get many touches due to efficient marking. Although Söder played well they couldn’t convert the chances into goals and kicked far too many behinds. With the last quarter against the wind and with only a 9 point lead things were looking bleak for the boys in blue. Was this going to be a reply of last years Grand Final? Coach Jordan was of another opinion and gave a pep talk for the history books before the guys went back in to the 4th quarter. The only worry in the Solna team was Jake Richards but Sean was put on the case.
In the fourth quarter Tim got a taste of the Nabb medicine. After a short upset he swallowed the bitter pill and cooled down. Instead of losing his head he kicked a beautiful ball towards Booby Love who was lurking around the goal by himself. As Bobby went up for the mark the whole Söder bench was on their feet and has he went for the kick the guys were in an uproar. Bobby, he didn’t flinch but instead reminded everyone why he is on top of the Södermalm all time stats, and put it through for a goal. The last quarter belonged to Södermalm, with Jordo’s ear bashing ringing in the head they guys were too afraid to kick points. Five goals against the wind sealed the victory for Söder who celebrated by singing the team song.
Coach Jordan said after the game “Man, I asked for 4 goals in the last quarter and they kicked 5!” When asked about the game President Briscoe commented: “I am of course very happy with the result, it was a team effort. But the season is a marathon not a sprint. We have to take every game at a time. Footy is footy and anything can happen. In the end the team that scores the most points will win.” Regarding Jordo’s injury he says: “It’s a tragedy for him and the team, especially as he has done everything right after the injury. He’d only had 9 minutes on the field before it happened again.”
“9 minutes, that’s a whole season of football for me.” comments former president Bobby Love.