Life in the Swedish Allsvenskan began for 2009 as Kalmar FF embarked on the focal objective of defending their title crown, despite an initial drawback as they stranded a one-goal advantage to draw with Gefle IF.

After accomplishing their first championship in 2008, Kalmer travelled northwards to the city of Gävle in pursuit of their title protection and Rasmus Elm, whose brother Victor and last season's top goalscorer Patrik Ingelsten both departed for SC Heerenveen over the winter months, ensured the season started to almost perfection by successfully converting a penalty on 29 minutes.