WXV: The Moscow Spetsnaz

[meow meow]

Jack Hutchins will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a unique injury in Darwin last month in the 2's.

After a collision in the final term, Hutchins was transported to hospital with concerns over the state of his kidney.
Hutchins underwent scans in Darwin. The results confirmed a grade two laceration to his kidney and a fracture to a vertebrae in his back.

This caps off a horror year for the talented youngster which began with him rolling his ankle, stretching a ligament in his knee, hyperextending his elbow and dislocating a finger in a collision during preseason training.

[CrowsFan]

Damn that dude is unlucky!! :o

[Justin Bieber]

Hutchins won't be the gold coast next year   :-X

[meow meow]

Some coaches have started to think about the upcoming draft, and are getting excited at the prospect of bringing a gun into their team with their prized first round selection. Everyone is hoping to get a good player with their 2nd round selection, and hoping for the best with the others. Now is a perfect opportunity to show everyone why Moscow will be a powerhouse of the WXV for years to come.


Draft History

2011 & 2010

In 2011 Moscow had 4 selections at the national draft, just like everyone else. All fair and even there. We were thrilled to get the #4 selection Will Hoskin-Elliott. With his elite running, high marking capabilities and long accurate kicking he will be a star. Kerridge with the 2nd round pick pleased us. So what? Everyone got a good 1st and 2nd round pick.

Moscow added mature age selection Dickson with our 3rd round pick. That's a win, but others may hit gold with their 3rd round picks. No clear advantage to the Spetsnaz so far.

Here is the good part. We were able to add a further 5 players to the list who would have been eligible but bypassed the draft completely. Thats like having twice as many picks as everyone else. Adam Treloar would have been a top 5 pick, and internally the GWS players rate him higer than Coniglio. Alex Sexton would have been in the pick 20 range. Jackson Allen would have been about 35. Nathan Wilson is comparable to a 4th round pick. Sam Schulz probably won't amount to much, but would be a 5th round pick.

So we basically had twice the amount of picks as most teams. Sure, some got extras like Jeremey Cameron and Dylan Shiel, but nobody added the sheer amount of talent that Moscow did over the two year period. If I add in the GWS and GC concessions with their estimated positions (green) with where players were actually taken in the main drafts (black) it would look something like this:

2011
#4 - Adam Treloar
#4 - Will Hoskin-Elliott
#20 - Alex Sexton
#27 - Sam Kerridge
#35 - Jackson Allen
#57 - Tory Dickson
#60 - Nathan Wilson
#65 - Corey Gault
#75 - Sam Schulz

2010
#2 - Harley Bennell
#10 - Tom Lynch (gc)
#11 - Brandon Matera
#14 - Brodie Smith
#35 - Steven May
#41 - Tom Liberatore *f/s
#50 - Jack Hutchins
#51 - Jonathan Ceglar
#70 - Tom Young
#76 - Paul Seedsman

Teams looking towards the future draft to save them will be playing catch up for years. Libba would have gone 1st round, so that makes it 7 first round selections, and 4 second round selections in the past 2 years! When these guys develop more we will be unstoppable.

19 year old Irishman Caolan Mooney was taken in the 2011 rookie draft, and he could be anything. How many people are playing AFL at it's highest level in just their 15th game ever? Super athlete.

2009
#3 - Dustin Martin   
#21 - Ryan Bastinac
#40 - Allen Christensen
#62 - Ben Sinclair   

2009 works out to be very similar to how it would be under normal drafting conditions. This will be considered to be an awesome draft for someone if they got the quality of these picks this year.

2008
#2 - Nicolas Naitanui
#8 - Tyrone Vickery
#15 - Mitchelll Brown (geel)
#29 - Dayne Beams
#31 - Jordan Roughead

3 first round draft picks, and Beams in the 2nd round. Brown hasn't come on as expected, but I'd say this was a very successful draft.

2007

We don't have anyone from the 2007 draft, which when looking back on it appears to be a really week draft. Only about 15 quality players in this draft IMO. Masten, Morton, Grant, Myers were picks 3-6 so that tells you the quality of it.

2006
#12 - James Frawley

Just the one player taken in this draft. Marty Clarke was taken in the rookie draft of this year, and this is the year that Steven Morris would have been drafted if he was taken as an 18 year old. 3 decent backmen out of this draft is okay.

2005
#11 - Shaun Higgins

Tory Dickson would have been in this draft if taken as an 18 year old. Got a couple of 24 year old forwards who are solid performers (when not injured)

2004
#4 - Richard Tambling
#6 - Tom Williams
#9 - Jordan Russell
#45 - Justin Sherman

'bling will be a star one day!!! None of the 1st round selections have lived up to their potential but we got a couple of okay players in Williams and Sherman.

2003
#48 - Heath Shaw f/s

Getting Shaw makes this draft a success even if we have no other 26 year olds. That's right, this GUN is only 26. This was a very weak draft.

2002

Kelvin Moore taken at #3 in the rookie draft. We don't want too many old players so that explains the lack of activity here.

2001
Nothing in the superdraft.

2000
Nothing.

1999
#24 - Jason Blake
#30 - Jonathan Brown f/s

Blake played his role when we needed him. Brown has a couple of years left in him but we don't expect much from the big fella.

1998-1993
Nothing.

1992

Dustin Fletcher as a father/son selection. It was so long ago that national draft picks didn't have to be used on father/sons. Luke Darcy and Matthew Richardson were also f/s this year. Dustin has been amazing for the Spetsnaz and we look forward to having him for years to come.


The Spetsnaz are loaded with young guns!

[ossie85]

lol at the gap between Fletch and everybody else! Loved that write up meow

[Purple 77]

Yeah I also chuckled to myself about the gap between fletcher and the next.

Quite a list there meow........ surely you've had interest from rival clubs?

[CrowsFan]

Libba the next Spetsnaz to be caught up in a drug related incident. What are you letting them do up in Moscow meow?

[meow meow]

Drugs related incident? We don't know what you're talking about. None of our players have anything to do with drugs.


In other news, talented young Moscow midfielder Tom Liberatore sustained an injury on the weekend that will see him miss the remainder of the season. A Spetsnaz official had the following to say about the setback:

"Tom is an important part of the team, and it is a blow to lose him just as we begin our finals campain. Libba is a hard worker, and he will be dilligent in his recovery. Getting a good amount of sleep is vital to good recovery, and Tom has taken it to a new level. He does the extra little things such as taking a powernap while he waits for a taxi, and this sort of attitude shows why he will be an elite player for many years to come."

We repeat that Moscow has nothing to do with drugs, and such claims are merely vicious rumours designed to tarnish our good reputation.

[meow meow]

2012 SEASON

Round 1

Moscow Spetsnaz (17.13.115) lost to New York Eagles (20.4.124)

Moscow kicked off the historical first round of the WXV competition with a game against New York. Heath Shaw was selected as the first ever captain of the Spetsnaz. We went in with a very inexperienced team and the Eagles were too strong. The following is the first ever team to represent Moscow in the season proper.

B: Heath Shaw (C), Jordan Russell, Brodie Smith, James Frawley
C: Tom Liberatore, Ryan Bastinac, Ben Sinclair, Will Hoskin-Elliott
F: Thomas Lynch, Dustin Martin (vc), Harley Bennell, Shaun Higgins
R: Nic Naitanui                  
I: Tyrone Vickery, Jordan Roughead

GOOD: Tom Liberatore took out the Jesaulenko/Pyke medal as the best player on the ground for either team. Nic Naitanui was solid in the ruck, and Harley Bennell started the season well. Will Hoskin-Elliot recieved the first ever WXV rising star nomination.

BAD: Jordan Russell was in the bad books after scoring just 24. The young mids and interchanges failed to have an impact.

VOTES:  5: Tom Liberatore, 4: Nic Naitanui, 3: Harley Bennell, 3: Heath Shaw, 1: Dustin Martin

Round 2

Pacific Islanders (21.10.136) defeated Moscow Spetsnaz (18.13.121)

Four changes were made after the round 1 loss. Making their debut for Moscow were: Marty Clarke, Allen Christensen, Brandon Matera and Dayne Beams.  Heath Shaw captained the team again. Another disappointing performance.

GOOD: Ryan Bastinac repsonded well to criticism about his round 1 performance, bouncing back and scoring 151 (103 points more than the previous week). Naitanui was solid again, but those two were the only positives.

BAD: Too many players in the 55-70 range. Vickery was terrible, scoring just 39.


VOTES -  5: Ryan Bastinac, 4: Nic Naitanui, 3: Marty Clarke, 2: Allen Christensen, 1: Heath Shaw
Leaders: Naitanui (8 ), Liberatore (5), Bastinac (5), Shaw (4)

Round 3

Moscow Spetsnaz (17.13.115) lost to Buenos Aires Armadillos (22.18.150)

After a couple of losses in a row, Moscow turned to experience to see if that could add some stability to the team. Dustin Fletcher and Jonathan Brown made their debuts, with mixed results. Dustin Martin captained the team and failed. This was a demolition by the Armadillos on our home turf and things were starting to look very dark for the rest of the season.

GOOD: Bastinac and Naitanui backed up their good performances. Fletcher was impressive on debut.

BAD: Jonathan Brown could not even muster a score in double figures (9). Liberatore started as substitute. Vickery was terrible again.


VOTES -  5: Bastinac, 4: Fletcher, 3: Naitanui, 2: Shaw, 1: Frawley
Leaders: Naitanui (11), Bastinac (10), Shaw (6), Liberatore (5), Fletcher (4)

Round 4

Toronto Wolves (21.7.133) defeated Moscow Spetsnaz (20.11.131)

Things needed to change after the performance of the opening 3 rounds, and being captained for the first time by Dayne Beams, it was a much improved effort against the Wolves. Had the game have been played in Moscow, our boys would have got the win but the Wolves were just too good in Canada. Justin Sherman and Adam Treloar made their debut for Moscow.

GOOD: The inclusions performed well. Most players posted decent scores and it was more of an even performance by the team.

BAD: Higgins starting in the green vest was a lethal blow to Moscow's chances.


VOTES -  5: Allen Christensen, 4: Dayne Beams, 3: Nic Naitanui, 2: Justin Sherman, 1- Marty Clarke
Leaders: Naitanui (14), Bastinac (10), Christensen (7), Shaw (6), Liberatore (5)

Round 5

Berlin Brewers (18.7.115) lost to Moscow Spetsnaz (18.9.117)

Finally got the first win of the season in what was not a great match by either team. We were happy to get the W, but were not happy with the performance of the team. Ryan Bastinac captained the team for the first time. James Frawley pulled out late and Paul Seedsman replaced him for his debut inthe historic first win.

GOOD: A win is a win. 3 players performed well, scored the same as eachother and shared the BOG votes.

BAD: Seedsman wasn't ready for the call up and was OOP, halving his 20 points. Jordan Roughead was disgraceful, scoring a mere 15 before being subbed off. JB scoring 44 wasn't acceptable.


VOTES -  5: Nic Naitanui, 5: Justin Sherman, 5: Dustin Martin, 2: Allen Christensen, 1: Shaun Higgins
Leaders: Naitanui (19), Bastinac (10), Christensen (9), Sherman (7)

Round 6

Moscow Spetsnaz (22.15.147) defeated Seoul Magpies (22.12.144)

This was the game where things finally clicked for Moscow. The coach of the opposition labelled this match as "an easy win" and it gave us that little bit extra motivation to get over the line. Dustin Martin was again given the chance to lead the team.

GOOD: The backline was lead maginificently by Shaw, and each of them scored a ton. Harley Bennell had a breakout game and showed why he will be a star. Brown bounced back after last week's dismal performance.

BAD: Naitanui was a late omission. Bastinac's form hit a low and his inconsistency was a worry. Vickery was recalled and given another chance, and only managed 26 before sustaining a season ending injury.


VOTES -  5: Harley Bennell, 4: Dayne Beams, 3: Heath Shaw, 2: Dustin Fletcher, 1- Jonathan Brown
Leaders: Naitanui (19), Bastinac (10), Shaw (9), Christensen (9)

Round 7

Cairo Sands (19.13.127) lost to Moscow Spetsnaz (21.16.142)

Moscow made it a hat-trick of wins with our first comfortable win of the season. Dayne Beams captained the team for the first time. Jason Blake made his debut for the club.

GOOD: 12 of the 15 players contributed a solid score. Shaw was outstanding in defence. Adam Treloar recieved a WXV rising star nomination.

BAD: Roughead really struggled while having to handle the ruck duties due to NicNat's absence.


VOTES -  5: Heath Shaw, 4: Dayne Beams, 3: Justin Sherman, 2: Harley Bennell, 1: Adam Treloar
Leaders: Naitanui (19), Shaw (14), Beams (12), Bennell, Sherman, Bastinac (10)

Round 8

Moscow Spetsnaz (23.12.150) defeated Tokyo Samurai (23.7.145)

The home crowd saw the Spetsnaz post their biggest score of the season so far, and make it 4 wins on the trot against some quality opposition. Naitanui made his return, while Heath Shaw was again given the responsibility of captaining the side.

GOOD: Jonathan Brown wound the clock back and dominated. The young stars Bennell and Liberatore were among the best players which was pleasing. Shaw was outstanding in defense, again.

BAD: Justin Sherman was pathetic. Christensen's injury opened the door for Sinclair and he did not make the most of his opportunity.


VOTES -  5: Jon Brown, 4: Heath Shaw, 3: Harley Bennell, 2: Tom Liberatore, 1: Nic Naitanui
Leaders: Naitanui (20), Shaw (18), Bennell (13), Beams (12)

Round 9

PNL Reindeers (22.11.143) lost to Moscow Spetsnaz (22.14.146)

The hot streak continued against PNL, a team who's ladder position didn't reflect the quality of their team. We weren't going to take this one lightly, and we were thrilled to get the win away from home. Steven Morris made his debut for the club, replacing Fletcher who was out injured. Tom Liberatore was made captain for the week.

GOOD: Beams had a monster game (175) while youngster Adam Treloar was showing steady improvement.

BAD: Sherman was pathetic for the 2nd week in a row. Jon Brown couldn't get anywhere near it after his outstanding game of the week prior.


VOTES -  5: Dayne Beams, 4: Dustin Martin, 3: James Frawley, 2: Adam Treloar, 1: Heath Shaw
Leaders:  Naitanui (20), Shaw (19), Beams (17), Bennell (13)

Round 10

Moscow Spetsnaz (20.8.128) lost to Mexico City Suns (23.8.146)

Moscow simply could not compete with one of the competition heavyweights. We were due for a down game after winning 5 in a row and if we didn't bring our A-game we had no chance against the experienced Mexico unit. Dayne Beams captained the team.

GOOD: Beams led by example. Naitanui battled well, and Dustin Martin played his role. The leaders stood up in Shaw's absence.

BAD: Too many players offering only 50's and 60's.


VOTES -  5: Dayne Beams, 4: Nic Naitanui, 3: Harley Bennell, 2- Dustin Martin, 1: Marty Clarke
Leaders: Naitanui (24), Beams (22), Shaw (19), Bennell (16)

Round 11

Sao Paulo Pumas (20.19.139) lost to Moscow Spetsnaz (21.17.143)

Moscow pulled off mission impossible: defeating the previously undefeated Puma's on their home turf. Sao Paulo didn't perform at their peak and we were lucky that our best efforts were enough to get the job done and cause the biggest upset of the season.

GOOD: The team peformed well without Shaw and Christensen. Jason Blake had the best game of his career. Naitanui was outstanding (185) and captain Beams didn't let the team down (137).

BAD: Adam Treloar's score of 7 was a major anomaly. Dustin Martin's score of 44 was well below what we expect of him.


VOTES -  5: Nic Naitanui, 4: Jason Blake, 3: Dayne Beams, 2: Shaun Higgins, 1: Dustin Fletcher
Leaders: Naitanui (29), Beams (25), Shaw (19), Bennell (16)

Round 12

Moscow Spetsnaz (22.10.142) defeated Wellington Warriors (17.11.113)

Confidence was up after the previous week's win, and an out of form Wellington without their star player were brushed aside quite easily in this one. Naitanui captained the team for the first time.

GOOD: Centuries to all of the main players except a returning Heath Shaw. 13 of the 15 posted acceptable scores. Martin responded well.

BAD: Roughead was abysmal (19, subbed off), and Jason Blake sustained a serious injury.


VOTES -  5: Dustin Martin, 4: Jon Brown, 3: Dayne Beams, 2- Nic Naitanui, 1: Harley Bennell
Leaders: Naitanui (31), Beams (28), Shaw (19), Bennell, Martin (17)

Round 13

Moscow Spetsnaz (19.6.120) lost to Cape Town Cobras (20.11.131)

The events that led up to this game were not ideal, and clearly they put the team off. Dustin Martin was suspended for 2 weeks and the team was never really in this one, despite the talented Cobra's not performing at their best either.

GOOD: The backline was solid, NicNat did all he could. Higgins was impressive.

BAD: Bastinac and Sherman were disgraceful (34, 33) and JB wasn't much better. Sinclair played as the substitute and the HGA was just about useless. Beams didn't perform like a captain should.


VOTES -  5: Naitanui, 4: Shaw, 3: Higgins, 2: Frawley, 1: Christensen
Leaders: Naitanui (36), Beams (28), Shaw (23), Bennell, Martin (17)

Round 14

London Royals (17.17.119) lost to Moscow Spetsnaz (18.14.122)

The most contriversial match of the season. London were a ship without a rudder when their coach decided not to show up. It was pure luck that we won this one after playing so poorly. London sacked their coach after this game.

GOOD: The club leaders did just enough to get us over the line. Treloar improved on last week's not so great effort.

BAD: Plenty. Bastinac and Christensen couldn't make it out of the 30's. Sherman was bad again. Naitanui was poor despite the opposition's ruck sitting on the sidelines watching. Jonathan Brown was a terrible choice as captain.


VOTES -  5: Dayne Beams, 4: Heath Shaw, 3: Harley Bennell, 2: Shaun Higgins, 1: Adam Treloar
Leaders: Naitanui (36), Beams (33), Shaw (27), Bennell (20)

Round 15

Moscow Spetsnaz (21.13.139) defeated New Delhi Tigers (20.12.132)

Finals were looking like a possibility at this stage of the season, but we had to win at least 2 of the 3 remaining matches. Our form wasn't great last week and we made 5 changes, but it was good to see the team lift and do enough to get over the Tigers. Kelvin Moore played his first (and only) match for Moscow.

GOOD: The backline was solid. Super game from Beams (162) and good perfomances from young guns Liberatore and Will Hoskin-Elliott.

BAD: Higgins did his hammy and Brandon Matera continued to frustrate us with his unpredictable form.


VOTES -  5: Dayne Beams, 4: Nic Naitanui, 3: Heath Shaw, 3: Dustin Fletcher, 1: Tom Liberatore
Leaders: Naitanui (40), Beams (38), Shaw (30), Bennell (20)

Round 16

Beijing Bears (23.14.152) defeated Moscow Spetsnaz (21.12.138)

While this wasn't a particularly bad game on our part, we never looked like we were in it at any stage. The Bears performed brilliantly, led by Tuck and we had no answer for it. We went for a young team that included debutant Caolan Mooney.

GOOD: Huge game from Nic Nat (164). Shaw and captain Beams were good. Bastinac on return after being dropped responded well, and Adam Treloar continued his solid form (99)

BAD: The young mids (Mooney, Hoskin-Elliott, Sinclair) didn't take their opportunities. Marty Clarke as substitute wasn't ideal.


VOTES -  5: Nic Naitanui, 4: Heath Shaw, 3: Dayne Beams, 2: Dustin Martin, 1: Allen Christensen
Leaders: Naitanui (45), Beams (41), Shaw (34), Bennell (20)

Round 17

Moscow Spetsnaz  (23.18.156) defeated Dublin Destroyers (20.12.132)

The final match of the season saw us come up against the bottom team, who had been talking up their chances of causing an upset and derailing our finals ambitions. We responded with a strong performance. Amongst the five changes was late inclusion Tory Dickson finally getting his first game for the Spetsnaz.

GOOD: 14 out of 15 players registering acceptable scores (one OOP). Harley Bennell had an incredible game (193), Beams (144) and Treloar (129) were great.

BAD: Christensen was the only non performer. Dickson played out of position which took some shine off his impressive debut. Captain Nic Nat wasn't as good as expected.


VOTES -  5: Harley Bennell, 4: Dayne Beams, 3: Adam Treloar, 2: Ryan Bastinac, 1: Jordan Roughead, 1: Tom Liberatore
Leaders: Naitanui, Beams (45), Shaw (34), Bennell (25)

2nd Elimination Final 

Beijing Bears (18.15.123) lost to Moscow Spetsnaz (27.12.174)

After finishing the season in 7th position and surprising a lot of people in the process, it was time to perform. And perform we did. Beijing had beaten us only two weeks ago but we were able to turn things around in a big way. Posting the 2nd highest score by any team for the season was pleasing. Jackson Allen made his debut in a WXV final.

GOOD: Dayne Beams provided a massive score (170) and captained the side on the way to winning a Finals Champion medal. Nic Naitanui wasn't far behind (154). Adam Treloar showed that he is one of the best young talents in the WXV competition

BAD: -


VOTES -  5: Dayne Beams, 4: Nic Naitanui, 3: Dustin Martin, 2: Adam Treloar, 1: Thomas Lynch
Leaders: Beams (50), Naitanui (49), Shaw (34), Bennell (25)

2nd Semi Final

Mexico City Suns (22.19.151) defeated Moscow Spetsnaz (18.12.120)

We knew this one was going to be an incredibly tough game. After perfoming so well the week before, it was disappointing to go out like this. Mexico were always going to be near on impossible to beat at their home ground and they were just far too good for us. We didn't play well but we think it was a great effort to make it this far.

GOOD: Making a Semi final. Heath Shaw tried his best in the backline with little support. Dickson and Jonthan Brown did enough. Dayne Beams won his 2nd Finals Champion medal in as many weeks with an outstanding score (166).

BAD: Fletcher was unlucky to get injured in the 1st quarter. Lynch and Matera were poor. Higgins returning off his hamstring injury couldn't impact the game as he would have liked. Having Treloar, Christensen unavailable wasn't great.


VOTES -  5: Dayne Beams, 4: Heath Shaw, 3: Nic Naitanui, 2: Harley Bennell, 1: Tory Dickson

[meow meow]

BEST AND FAIREST

The Moscow Spetsnaz are proud to announce that the Kalashnikov Medal will be awarded to the best and fairest/gun player over the course of the season.

The Kalashnikov Medal for the 2012 season is awarded to DAYNE BEAMS

Beams and Nic Naitanui were tied on 45 votes each after the conclusion of the home and away season. Dayne's dominant finals performances which saw him win back to back Finals Champion medals enabled him to poll 55 votes to Naitanui's 52. Heath Shaw rounds out the top 3 with 38 votes, and he may have challenged for the medal if he had played more games. Harley Bennell entered the season as a 19 year old with talent and potential. He finished the season as a superstar and earned 27 votes to come in 4th place. Rounding out the top 5 is Dustin Martin on 22 votes.

Congratulations to the 2012 Kalashnikov Medalist: Dayne Beams

VOTES

Dayne Beams		55
Nic Naitanui		52
Heath Shaw		38
Harley Bennell		27
Dustin Martin		22
Ryan Bastinac		12
Allen Christensen		11
Dustin Fletcher		10
Justin Sherman		10
Jonathan Brown		10
Adam Treloar		9
Tom Liberatore		9
Shaun Higgins		8
James Frawley		6
Marty Clarke		5
Jason Blake		4
Jordan Roughead		1
Tory Dickson		1
Thomas Lynch		1

[ossie85]

Wow meow, that was a great read! Was reading the count, and amazing how Beams pulled away...

Well done to Moscow finishing 5th, really a great effort after the first 5 rounds weren't impressive. Great comback

[Ringo]

Great Read and well done Meow.

[MajorLazer]

Very nice write up Meow.  ;D

Beams was a gun this season, but it was a tight count. Your top players got a lot more votes than my players got. Guess it means who had quite a few real guns.

I've done my B&F in a similar manner and will hopefully post it up tonight.

[CrowsFan]

Congrats on a great season meow. Just noticed I was 1 of only 3 people who said you would finish in the top 8! :)

[MajorLazer]

Congrats on a great season meow. Just noticed I was 1 of only 3 people who said you would finish in the top 8! :)

I didn't vote.  :-[