AFLW player and former Mount Martha Primary School student Sarah Hosking inspired students at the school recently when she visited to give a talk on her experiences in the women’s league.
The Richmond player spoke of being drafted and now playing AFL Women’s, the emotional side of footy both on and off the field and respect for the game and opposition.
Mornington district coordinator of School Sports Victoria, Cameron Sweatman, said the students were inspired by Hosking’s energy and positive words about determination and respect.
In particular, year 6 students and AFLW hopeful Billie Raymond, who has been selected to play in School Sport Victoria’s 12 years and under AFL team in New South Wales next month, had been thrilled to meet Hosking.
Raymond will play in Lavington, NSW, representing Victoria against the other states in Girls AFL.
She is in her fifth season of football and started playing under-8 with Mount Martha Junior Football Club in 2019. Last year she played in two grand final wins on the same day. This was with under-11 boys and two hours later in the girls’ under-12 win, where she was named best on ground and presented with the ball.
Raymond is a Collingwood supporter and says she admires the way AFLW Collingwood player Ruby Schleicher plays the game, with another favourite being Scott Pendlebury.
First published in the Mornington News – 25th July 2023