Sarah Hosking and identical twin Jess Hosking make up one of the more surreal stories of the NAB AFL Women’s competition.
Having only taken up football last year, the Hoskings decided that 2016 was the time to start after seeing all the opportunities opening up for girls in the sport.
Never in their wildest dreams, however, could they have envisaged being drafted to the same AFL club.
“I don’t want to sound cliché saying it but it was a dream come true being selected for Carlton,” Sarah said.
“I was so excited, and to be with Jess as well, we are both so stoked to be at the same club.
“I think if we were at different clubs, at some stage we would of tried to get to the same club and figure out a way to make that happen. Being able to be together from the start is awesome.”
Both sisters were picked up by Carlton in the 2016 draft, and while Jess won’t be able to play this season because of an ACL injury, Sarah is ready to face the upcoming season head on.
The 21-year-old is no stranger to high-pressure sporting environments, having represented the Peninsula Waves in the Victorian Netball Competition. Sport has always been part of of her life, so picking up football didn’t prove to be a hard task.
“Growing up I probably played everything you can name from athletics, to soccer, to basketball, I even did diving. You name it, I tried it,” Sarah said.
“I think footy was something new and there was that opportunity to take it to that elite level.”
She has proved herself to be quite the natural footballing talent, picking up the game quickly in her first-ever season for the Seaford Tigerettes.
Sarah was named the VWFL Rising Star last year - an extraordinary feat for someone new to footy.
The promising midfielder – taken via Carlton’s third pick - has shown the ability to impact inside and outside of the contest, and coach Damien Keeping says she’ll be crucial to the make-up of the Blues’ midfield.
“Sarah’s ability to impact within, as well as on the outside of the contest, will make her a critical weapon in our search for midfield dominance in 2017,” Keeping said.
After starring in the Blues’ practice match against Melbourne, the face-off against arch-rival Collingwood on Friday night will give Sarah another chance to assert herself in the Carlton midfield - a challenge she’s looking forward to.
Sarah Hosking was one of the Blues' stars in their practice match against Melbourne. (Photo: Carlton Media)
“I can’t wait. I’m not too nervous now but I’m sure there’ll be good nerves on the day,” she said.
“If anything I’m feeling good and I think we’ve put in the hard yards over the pre-season and I think we’re ready for anything.”
The Blues host Collingwood at Ikon Park in the inaugural AFLW season opener on Friday 3 February, with entry free.
