July 24, 2023
By Evan Lepler
Throughout the 2023 season, the AUDL’s weekly honor roll will be revealed each Monday, honoring seven players whose individual exploits merit recognition. The players are listed alphabetically by last name.
Travis Dunn, San Diego Growlers
Although it was ultimately a disappointing 2023 season for Travis Dunn and the Growlers, Saturday night’s exhilarating home victory over the Spiders felt like old times, with the 32-year-old star leading the way. Dunn’s game-winning delivery to Steven Milardovich was his seventh assist of the evening, and he also added two goals, one block, and over 500 total yards to help San Diego snap its eight-game losing streak. Despite only playing in nine of the 12 regular season contests, Dunn still finished the year with 52 assists, fourth-most in the league.
Brett Hulsmeyer, Atlanta Hustle (Pictured)
Atlanta’s big man probably secured a spot on the All-AUDL First Team thanks to his dominant performance on Saturday against the Flyers. Brett Hulsmeyer caught all three of the Hustle’s overtime goals, completely taking over the end zone when it mattered, and he finished a career-best plus-10, with six goals, three assists, two blocks, and just one turn. His 488 receiving yards were also the most he’s produced since the league began tracking yardage stats in 2021. Hulsmeyer stands as the only player in the league with at least 15 goals, 15 assists, and 15 blocks during the 2023 season.
Steven Milardovich, San Diego Growlers
The recipient of Travis Dunn’s nifty game-winning throw, Steven Milardovich was virtually flawless against Oakland, contributing four goals and two blocks while completing all 22 of his passes. Furthermore, this Honor Roll slot is a shout-out to the entire Growlers core for playing their butts off in a game where they could’ve rolled over and let the Spiders squeak into the playoffs. Despite facing a desperate opponent, San Diego opened the night with more energy and never once trailed in their 20-19 victory, a testament to veteran leaders like Milardovich who refused to give up one last opportunity to represent.
Sean Mott, Philadelphia Phoenix
Playing in his 77th consecutive game—he’s played in every Philly game since the start of the 2017 season—Sean Mott threw for more yards on Saturday night against Toronto than any other AUDL player in any game this season. Beyond the 716 passing yards, Mott completed all 63 of his throws, orchestrating the Phoenix attack and lifting Philly to a 6-6 record for the second straight year. Overall, Mott’s 862 total yards were the fifth-highest single-game total in the league this year, but it also was the most yards for any victorious player all season.
Ryan Osgar, New York Empire
Statistically, Ryan Osgar’s season finale against Montreal looked mighty similar to his Week 12 masterpiece at Salt Lake. He capped his regular season with seven assists, one goal, 619 total yards, and another 100 percent completion rate as the Empire pulled away late against the Royal. The reigning MVP also connected on all four hucks on Saturday night and closed his 2023 campaign by going nine consecutive quarters without a throwaway, tossing for 18 of his league-best 65 assists during this recent sizzling stretch.
Austin Taylor, Atlanta Hustle
The 31-year-old Hustle handler was on fire on Saturday against Carolina, going 7-for-7 on hucks and accumulating 616 passing yards in Atlanta’s overtime victory. Austin Taylor finished with eight assists, half of which went to Hulsmeyer, but he also tossed a 68-yard bomb to Liam Haberfield, a 65-yard missile to Lukas McClamrock, a 61-yard shot to Trip Crowley, and a 62-yard beauty to Christian Olsen. Though overshadowed by the Hustle’s improved depth at times during the team’s 10-2 campaign, Taylor still managed to produce more completions and a better completion percentage than any other season in his seven-year career.
Brandon Van Deusen, Los Angeles Aviators
First, he threw the game-winning goal with two seconds left on Friday night in Santa Barbara. Then, just about 24 hours later, he helped lead the cheers in the San Diego stands, recording in disbelief as the Growlers stunningly eliminated the Spiders and concurrently clinched the Aviators’ place in the postseason. Overall, quite the weekend for 23-year-old Brandon Van Deusen, who went 59-for-59 with seven assists, one goal, and 725 total yards in LA’s wild comeback win. The Aviators will likely need a similarly efficient and impactful performance this coming Saturday if they want to shock the Summit and keep their magical run alive for another week.
2023 Weekly Honor Roll