US Revolution Announces 2005 National Team - Two Kangaroos Selected
Story posted May 11, 2005

On April 30th in Dallas, Texas, sixty of the best American Aussie Rules Players gathered for the third annual East-West Challenge. There were two full matches again this year, with Nashville competing for the East All-Stars. The morning was a bit windy and chilly, feeling more like Chicago than Dallas, and reminding some of the Aussies of a blustery Melbourne day. Nashville was represented by three players and one umpire: our player/coach Bo Link, captain Dee Vsetecka, and newly appointed Vice Captain Dave Walker. Jeff Persson was one of three field umpires.

The opening match started at 10:30 and Dee "Weeman" Vsetecka was assigned to work the center ground. That was a smart move by Robbie Oliver, East Coach (from New York) as Weeman was constantly in position and around the ball for the entire first half of play and impressing the Revolution coach and assistant coaches. After a breather in the third period, Weeman was back on the ground, and well rested, for the fourth quarter where he once again was constantly getting to the ball and pumping it to the forward line. The East won handily by six goals and Weeman was rewarded for his efforts with Best on Ground Medal for the East (as voted on by the coaches and umpires).

The second match started at 2:30 and by this time the clouds had cleared, the temperature had risen to the mid 70s and it was perfect footy weather. Bo Link and Dave Walker were assigned to starting duties for the East in this match, both playing in the half-forward line and in the middle of the ground. This match featured a lot more speed and aerial skills than the first match. The West jumped out to a fast four goal lead before the East even got the ball into the forward line, so our poor Rooboys were hungry for some action. That arrived in the next two quarters where the East dominated and both Link and Walker acquitted themselves admirably during this stretch, taking marks, making tackles, and otherwise showing the skills that we Nashvillians are so used to. The East held a slim 1 point lead 9.8.62 to 9.7.61. The boys from the West, however, must have been saving their energies for the fourth quarter as they managed to win out by three goals. This was the first time in three years that the West has beaten the East.

That evening was the Team Banquet where the Revolution squad was announced by Coach Alan Nugent. As he announced the 35 players alphabetically, it was not until the final two positions were announced that "V"setecka and "W"alker learned they had made the squad. This is the third time for Weeman to make the National Team. He went to London in 2001 to play in the Atlantic Alliance Tournament and to Toronto in 2004 to play in the Can-Am games. This is the second time for Walker to make the National Team. He also played in the 2004 Can-Am games in Toronto. This will be the first time for both players to be able to play in Australia when the Revolution heads to Melbourne in August for the second International Cup. Back in 2002, Lance Van Putten was the sole Nashville representative on the Revolution squad that finished fifth of 11 countries. Weeman and Walker hope to improve on that mark this summer. Full details of the weekend and the Revolution squad will be posted to the USAFL website at www.usfooty.com 

Although they will focus on the MAAFL matches for the next three months in hopes of winning a third MAAFL Championship this year, both are in need of raising funds to assist in their travel. The Nashville Kangaroos and USAFL will assist with some of the logistics and support. In addition, tax-deductible donations to support this effort are also welcome and this will be set up on our website in the near future, so keep checking back.

Congratulations to both Dee and Dave on their "fair dinkum" accomplishments in making the Revolution squad. The privilege to represent the USA in Melbourne is granted to only a select few and we are extremely proud of both of them. Good on ya, boys!