Richmond have shocked fans and the wider AFLW community with their latest announcement of delistings.
The Tigers have revealed they will not be offering AFLW midfielder Jess Hosking and forward Stephanie Williams new contracts for the 2024 season.
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But it is the decision to cut popular cult-figure Hosking that has raised eyebrows
The 27-year-old missed most of this year due to an ankle syndesmosis injury.
Before that, however, she was a regular, playing in 23 games for Richmond in three seasons after appearing in 30 for Carlton across five years.
Richmond missed out on finals action this year but last season they were in thick of it in 2022, with Hosking sparking controversy over a sinister message written on her shoulder straps during a semi-final clash with North Melbourne.
Hosking, who played the game with both shoulders strapped, had a stack of different words written on the strapping, but it was the “Kill B******” comment on her right shoulder that drew the ire of the AFL.
After copping a ‘please explain’ from the league, she apologised for the inappropriate message and escaped punishment for the “offensive language”.
Hosking is the twin sister of Sarah, who also plays at Richmond, and together they share a high profile in the AFLW world.
After Jess was delisted on Wednesday, baffled fans were quick to comment.
“Beg your pardon!?” one shocked fan said.
“Absolutely shocked. When Jess has been up and going she’s been so important,” another said.
“Genuine double take,” 7AFL social media producer Paddy Grindlay said.
While another fan wondered with an eyeballs emoji: “Jess Hosking just got delisted?”
A month after the strapping furore, Hosking was again in the headlines when she was charged for driving a jet-ski while under the influence of alcohol.
The incident happened in Burleigh Heads in Queensland when Hosking was on holiday.
She blew an alcohol reading of 0.137 and told police at the time that she had consumed “a few UDL cans”.
Later, she pleaded guilty to getting on a jet-ski while intoxicated but she did not didn’t record a conviction with the Magistrate taking into account her international charity and ambassador work, and high regard in the AFLW community.
On Wednesday, Richmond’s head of women’s football Kate Sheahan wished Williams and Hosking well for “their hard work and passion”.
“Jess brought a lot of experience to our program and played her part in some strong periods for us, including featuring in both of our finals last year,” Sheahan said.
“Steph brought a lot to our football program and broader club and even while inactive on our playing list in 2023, Steph has remained engaged and supportive of the team.
“We wish them both well.”
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