Mozzies shortlisted for team of year award

The Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes have been shortlisted for the team of the year at the SP Sports Awards, along with the Garamuts (cricket) and the SP Hunters (rugby league).
The Mozzies recorded back-to-back AFL International Cups when they came out on top in 2014 and last year.
They were the best team outside Australia, beating New Zealand by a point in a thrilling grand final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last year.
In 2014, the Mozzies overcame their share of injuries to hold off Ireland by three points in the grand final.
The Mozzies have been consistent in the competition, having made all five finals since 2002.
They will be fired up in 2020 when they set off on their title defence.
Last year, coach David Lake picked his final 24 players from a strong 33-man squad to do battle with New Zealand, and they delivered to his expectation.
“If it wasn’t for the PNG High Performance Centre, they wouldn’t have made it that far,” he said last year.
“Credit to our great PNGHP support team for treating the players’ injuries.”
At last year’s AFL International Cup, the Mozzies lost their opening game against Ireland but then bounced back with wins over Nauru, the United States and South Africa before taming New Zealand in the decider.
PNG were the first country to win back-to-back Cups.