Two Carlton AFLW players have been giving back to local and international communities in their off-season, through ambassadorial roles that are close to their heart.

Midfielder Nicola Stevens has been touring the country for Dementia Awareness Month, while fellow midfielder Jess Hosking has flown to Samoa through her work with Interplast. 

Being an ambassador for Dementia Australia is a role Stevens is proud to hold, after her mum Ann was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2010.

Taking part in Dementia Australia’s ‘Melbourne Memory Walk & Jog’ earlier this year, the 25-year-old has travelled to Darwin and Hobart to take part in the organisation’s ‘Small actions, Big difference Roadshow’.

Speaking to the local newspaper in Darwin, Stevens said attending these events was important to her, as she strives to raise much-needed awareness about the disease. 

“The reason why I’m here is to raise awareness of dementia and give people in the community a better understanding of what it is and the things that we can do to help make an impact on peoples’ lives,” Stevens said.

“Football gives me that element to be able to share my history and reach out to as many people as I can.”

Meanwhile, Hosking has travelled to Apia in Samoa with Interplast, observing surgeons in theatre and providing assistance in medical clinics. 

As an accredited non-government organisation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Interplast sends teams of volunteer plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals to provide life-changing surgery and medical training in 17 countries across the Asia Pacific region. 

Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Hosking spent time caring for young patients who were undergoing surgery to repair the same condition.

View this post on Instagram

This beautiful girl is 2 months old. She was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Back in Australia she probably would'nt have been operated on because of her weight and age. Mum is 20 years old and was quite worried for surgery. After explaining to mum I was born with the same thing and showing her the fixed result, her face lit up with a huge smile. The first photo is with Mum and Bub in recovery straight after the operation. The second photo is in clinic on day 1. ❤ #interplast #cleft

A post shared by Jess Hosking (@jesshosking) on Sep 9, 2018 at 1:04am PDT

Armed with footballs and Carlton apparel, the 22-year-old also introduced the locals to Aussie Rules and encouraged them to support the Old Dark Navy Blue.

The Blues AFLW team will begin their pre-season campaign in November, with the AFL Women’s draft taking place on October 23.