Overcoming challenges and adversity is a strong theme in the life of Richmond FC AFLW player Jess Hosking.
Enduring more than 21 surgeries for a congenital cleft lip and palate, as well as two shoulders and an ACL reconstruction, Jess has shown incredible resilience to build a successful, meaningful life on and off the football field.
Current Work:
Alongside twin sister Sarah, growing up involved in and playing a multitude of sports, including golf and surfing, former State netballer Jess has witnessed first-hand the rise and development of Australian Rules football for female participants. From inadequate facilities where her first game of AFLW saw 30 girls sharing one toilet at the grounds they were playing on, through to breaking down gender barriers and wage disparity, Jess is at the forefront of paving the way for future generations of professional AFLW players.
She is also well known for using her platform as a professional footballer to promote and shine a light on the charities she works with, including CleftPals Victoria, Interplast and Red Dust.
Her philanthropic and community work saw Jess nominated for the 2019 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
In Jess's spare time she is also actively involved with the running of her own charity 2 Boots, collecting boots and runners to take out to remote indigenous communities.
Talking Points
Overcoming adversity
Overcoming adversity
Growth of AFLW
Growth of AFLW
Gender equality
Gender equality
Mental health & resilience
Mental health & resilience
Community service and philanthropy
Community service and philanthropy
