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Iceland

This page is a quick snapshot of the status of Australian Football in Iceland. For further information, browse our news items or use the search facility. If you wish to contact football officials from the country, please search our site for links to their leagues or clubs, including in our Atlas. If unsuccessful, we can normally assist with putting people in touch.

Approx population (2009):   320,000

National side:   Iceland Ravens

Governing body:   Iceland Australian Football League

Domestic clubs:
Gammarnir (Eagles)
Drekarnir (Dragons)
Griðungarnir (Bulls)

WFN Census (2004):   N/A (founded 2009)

WFN World Ranking (2008):   N/A

History:   Australian football's history in Iceland itself began in 2009, with a group starting training in Reykjavik and former DAFL player Jón Hrói Finnsson holding junior clinics on the north coast. A national team known as the Ravens was created to contest the 2009 EU Cup, defeating Italy and coming very close to beating Germany and eventual runners-up Netherlands.

Outlook (2010):   In 2010, a three-team domestic league based around Reykjavik is planned. The IceAFL has also entered into a partnership with the Icelandic Rugby Union, which is at a similar early stage of development, with plans for cross-promotion and shared resources between the two codes.

Other points of interest:   A few Icelanders have been playing Aussie Rules in Europe for a number of years, the Denmark Vikings notably having been captained by the Icelandic Páll Finnsson at the 2008 International Cup in Melbourne. Páll has now moved to France and plays with the Paris Cockerels.

Last Updated: Friday, April 29 2011 @ 09:26 pm ACST| Hits: 5,011