AFLW veteran Jess Hosking puts career on hold for personal reasons: ‘Difficult decision'

7NEWS

2 days ago

AFLW veteran Jess Hosking has stepped away from the game, two weeks after it emerged she did not return for pre-season training because of a personal issue.
West Coast confirmed the development on Thursday night, two and a half months before the season opener, and asked for privacy.
'I would like to thank the West Coast Eagles for providing me with the opportunity to continue my AFLW career last season,' Hosking said.
'While this has been a difficult decision it is the right time for me to take a break from football for personal reasons.
'I wish Daisy (Pearce, senior coach) and the girls the best of luck for the season ahead.'
Hosking moved to the Eagles ahead of the 2024 campaign after spending time at Carlton and Richmond, and was locked into a new contract for 2025.
But her time at West Coast is now over and her future in football is uncertain.
'The club accepts Jess's decision to take time away from the game,' women's football boss Michelle Cowan said.
'We acknowledge Jess's significant contribution and wish her all the best with her future endeavours.'
West Coast had reportedly been 'working through the details' of the off-field issue that kept her away from the start of pre-season training earlier this month.
Hosking made headlines in 2022 when she wore X-rated shoulder strapping for a final against North Melbourne.
The 'Kill B******' comment on her right shoulder drew the ire of the AFL and she received a 'please explain' from the league, but escaped punishment for the 'offensive language'.
Not long after that, she was again in trouble after driving a jet-ski drunk while on a holiday with teammates.
She blew an alcohol reading of 0.137 and told police at the time that she had consumed 'a few UDL cans'.
About a year later she was delisted by Richmond and then picked up West Coast for the 2024 season.
The 29-year-old received a one-year contract extension from West Coast after an impressive season in the west, but it is now unclear if she will play again.
Hosking is the twin sister of Sarah, who also plays at Richmond, and together they share a high profile in the AFLW world.
After the strapping saga, the AFL said Hosking was 'extremely remorseful and deeply disappointed in her actions'.
The AFL accepted a letter of apology from her and issued her with an official warning regarding the offensive language.