Sarah Hosking’s ferocious attack on the footy makes her a VFL rising star

SEAFORD Tigerette Sarah Hosking has won the VFL Women’s Rising Star Award in her first season of football.

Seaford's Sarah Hosking in action during the VFL season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

SEAFORD Tigerette Sarah Hosking has won the VFL Women’s Rising Star Award in her first season of football.

“She took the comp by storm,’’ Seaford coach Brett Alexander said after a shocked Sarah received the award at the VFL awards night at Crown Palladium on Monday night.

Sarah, 20, and her identical twin sister Jess grew up playing netball, but always had a desire to give footy a go.

This year they took the plunge – and for Sarah, she’s glad she did.

“I’ve been playing netball since I was nine,’’ Sarah said.

“My twin sister and I had always wanted to play footy but never had the chance because both seasons clashed.

“This year was the first that we decided we’d give both a crack and, yeah, I think it’s paid off.’’

Sarah admitted she started slowly but grew in confidence.

“At the start of the season I was unsure where I was running and what I was doing and it was good throughout the season to develop and learn how to play,’’ she said.

While Sarah starred, Jess unfortunately suffered a serious ACL injury mid-season.

Alexander said Sarah’s back half of the season was exceptional.

“Her ability to win the contested ball is exceptional. She just attacks the contest a hundred miles an hour, backs herself to win it,’’ he said.

“And probably her other strength is her ability to follow up possession and look for that second and third contest if required. And she can run and carry the ball as well.’’

Sarah hopes to get picked up by an AFL club in the inaugural women’s draft on October 12, and her rising star gong will help her cause.

“I’m hoping to go to somewhere in Victoria,’’ she said.

So, what’s her favourite sport now?

“It would have to be footy. I love it. I wish I had have started earlier,’’ Sarah said.

TWO Seaford players were named in the VFL Women’s team of the year, Kim Ebb in a back pocket and Katherine Gillespie-Jones on interchange