We got our hands on a few more photos of the Swedish Elks training in Sydney at the International Cup this year. Check out the new Swedish Elks photos on Facebook.
As Brett Kirk says, Aussie Rules, our unique game of chasing around a red piece of leather around a patch of grass, has a funny way of getting under your skin and staying there. It becomes a part of you no matter where you grow up. As you know, Brett’s an AFL Ambassador for the development of the game around the world and took a training here in Stockholm with the Stockholm teams earlier in the year.
The Swedish Elks have begun the International Cup 2011 in style and have made it through to Division 1.
First up, the Elks put in a hard and determined performance against New Zealand, one of the favourites for the tournament. Despite the Elks’ swift ball movement and good linking play, New Zealand was able to squeeze a win from the match, with the Elks putting their top quality skills & determination on show for all.
Both our Årsta representatives, Dan Koinberg & Mats Sundin starred and were named in the best for the Elks. Great work boys!
A lot of us have friends and family down under so help us spread the word about the Elks and the IC11!
Three Årsta Swans will represent Sweden in this year’s International Cup in Sydney & Melbourne during August.
During the week, the 2011 International Cup squad was announced with three Årsta Swans in it: Mats Sundin, Dan Koinberg and Pär Gustavsson. Mats & Dan will be leading the way on the field, while Pär will be part of the support staff down under.
Mats has had a very strong first half of the year with Årsta, playing midfield and getting into some great touch for August. Mats has earned the nickname “The Bulldog” by his never say die attitude, getting in and under, smashing through packs, carrying the ball while fending off opposition and then putting through a brace of goals to add to his ever increasing effectiveness.
Dan has been preparing all year to tear limbs from the world’s opposition with a diet that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger feel like a softie and some devastating matches in Sydney, his new adopted home. Quickly a crowd favourite, cries of “bring back the Swede” were heard when Dan was taking a breather on the bench in one of his first matches, but more about that at a later date.
Pär was reportedly set upon by a trio of hungry crocs and nearly lost his arm during the off-season. Pär fought off two without a problem, but the third snuck up from behind & tore off his arm. Like a true Swan, Pär then dispatched the third croc, got his arm back & stuck it on again with silver tape. Årsta!!
We wish them, and the Swedish Elks squad as a whole, the best of luck in Australia and we know you’ll do us all proud.
See the full squad at the AFL Sweden International Cup page and keep track of the Swedish Elks progress down under by following the Swedish Elks Facebook page.
Brett Kirk taking training at Årstafältet in Stockholm
The photos from training with Brett Kirk on the 24th of May are developed. Our photographer was down at training armed only with his phone’s camera to capture the session.
Brett’s presence meant that all four Stockholm teams were present, allowing us to do some great, but different drills with the 35 guys present.
Everyone involved had a great time and I’m sure everyone (both old and new) learnt plenty from Brett.
As described earlier, Brett is travelling the world as an AFL Ambassador promoting AFL football and the 2011 International Cup.
Go to the Årsta Swans Facebook page to see all the photos from the evening.
Brett Kirk comes to Stockholm
Former Sydney Swans captain and AFL Superstar Brett Kirk is on the way to Stockholm. Brett is currently travelling around Europe with his wife and family as an AFL Ambassador promoting AFL football and the 2011 International Cup.
Dan Koinberg (#30) and Mats Sundin (#13) doing their thing in Copenhagen for the Swedish Elks v Denmark
Sweden Elks vs Denmark on Danish TV2
The Swedish Elks is the national representative team for Sweden, playing 18-a-side Australian Football. The Elks will be playing in the World Cup in Australia later this year – let’s hope our lads play a leading role!
Even if you can’t understand Danish (who can?) keep your eyes open for the #13 & #30.
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