By Arian Odza
Mulgrave Netball Club’s Jessica Hoskin has been one of the most significant and at times elite goal shooters of the EFNL Netball scene in recent times.
Hoskin’s ability to score the numerous amounts of goals within a season is nothing short of commendable.
Within the 2018 season Hoskin was able to score 390 goals from 16 games and bettered that consistency with 421 goals in 16 games in the 2019 season.
Although these records aren’t achieved in the top division of the EFNL, the consistency and numbers that are being produced suggest Hoskin could make the step up if need be.
Hoskin has 81 goals from just four games this season, showing that she won’t be slowing down despite the year off in 2020.
Hoskin explains that the 2020 season and not being able to play due to covid was difficult, but she remained active and determined to maintain her high standards.
“It was really hard, but I remained motivated keeping fit by going down to the netball courts, putting up some shots, making sure I went on runs and we were pretty lucky with the weather over some of that break, which was quite helpful.”
Hoskin, like all goalers, would be nothing without the rest of her side, whose work up the court gives her the best chance to perform her magic.
“Look it all comes down to the team, I couldn’t do it without the team and I am so lucky that the team that I’ve got I gel with so well, even though we’ve got a few new ones in our team this year, they are just working so well and get along so easy with them which makes it a lot more enjoyable and a lot easier on myself, but I suppose staying consistent and not dropping your head is the main thing really.”
Hoskin’s Mulgrave have struggled for consistency in 2021, with the prolific goaler on the sidelines for their most recent fixture (at time of writing).
“The last team we played were significantly younger than us and we weren’t that far off, I unfortunately wasn’t able to play that game and it was really hard for me watch that one from the sidelines, being able to be so close to another win, but just keeping the girls motivated and reminding them that we can do it and it is only the start of the season.”
Hoskin explains that new additions to the team are helping with the attacking game style Mulgrave want to implement and is eager to get back on court.
“I’ve gelled really well with Amber, and it is so easy in the goal circle with her and it’s good that we are on the same sort of level goal wise, to make us really strong in our attacking end,”
“After having last week off I really struggled because I really miss playing with the girls so I’m definitely excited to get back in it.”