In the preliminary round, Djurgårdens IF played Mariebergs IK at home in Stockholm on 14 August 1917 and won, 3–2.[1] On 2 September 1917, Djurgården won the away-game quarter-final against Sandvikens AIK, 6–1 in Gävle.[1] Djurgården then played IFK Göteborg in the semi-final, where the match at home on 21 October 1917 ended in a goalless draw and the away-game replay in Gothenburg on 4 November 1917 was won, 2–1.[1]
Djurgårdens IF made their ninth appearance in a Svenska Mästerskapet final, having won two and lost six, including one to final opponents AIK in 1916.[2]
In the preliminary round, AIK at home beat Örgryte IS, 5–1, on 12 August 1917.[1] On 2 September 1917, AIK won the quarter-final against IFK Eskilstuna at home with 2–0.[1] AIK then won the away-game semi-final against IK Sirius of Uppsala with 1–0 on 23 September 1917.[1]
AIK were reigning champions by winning the previous final against final opponents Djurgården and made their seventh appearance in a Svenska Mästerskapet final, having won five, including the one against final opponents Djurgården, and lost one.[2]
Alsiö, Martin; Frantz, Alf; Lindahl, Jimmy; et al., eds. (2004). 100 år: Svenska fotbollförbundets jubileumsbok 1904-2004, del 2: statistiken. Vällingby: Stroemberg Media Group. ISBN 91-86184-59-8.
Glanell, Tomas; Havik, Göran; Lindberg, Thomas; et al., eds. (2004). 100 år: Svenska fotbollförbundets jubileumsbok 1904-2004, del 1. Vällingby: Stroemberg Media Group. ISBN 91-86184-59-8.
^ abcdefgAlsiö, Martin; Frantz, Alf; Lindahl, Jimmy; et al., eds. (2004). 100 år: Svenska fotbollförbundets jubileumsbok 1904-2004, del 2: statistiken. Vällingby: Stroemberg Media Group. p. 133. ISBN 91-86184-59-8.
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