CARLTON'S inaugural VFLW side is finding form towards the end of the season as its talent across the board continues to develop.

Players’ improvement – from both VFLW and AFLW programs – has been a key feature of their first season, according to AFLW-listed midfielder Sarah Hosking.

Racking up disposals and contested possessions in the middle, Hosking is clearly relishing the opportunity to represent Carlton’s VFLW side and is using it as an opportunity to sharpen her game.

“Personally, it’s probably been more for development; it’s been nice to have a break (from AFLW),” Hosking said.

“Specifically, developing my skills, the ability to hit a target and feeding the ball out accurately and efficiently have been a focus.”

Transitioning from a background in netball, Hosking was drafted to Carlton’s AFLW side with pick No.19 in the 2016 women’s draft. The midfielder debuted for Carlton in the league’s inaugural match in 2017 and has played every game since.

Hosking has only gone from strength-to-strength in her 14-game AFLW career, but it seems she is really hitting her straps in this year’s VFLW competition, with clear improvement across her performances. From six appearances, she has been named best afield on three occasions, with two in the last fortnight.

Last weekend’s clash with Richmond was undeniably Hosking’s best game for the Blues this season. The tough nut gathered 21 disposals, kicked a goal and laid 10 tackles in a complete performance.

Not only has Hosking used the VFLW season to work on her skills, but she’s also put a focus on growing her leadership skills too.

At just 22, Hosking was appointed vice-captain of Carlton’s AFLW team for the 2018 season and has continued to grow her leadership skills through the VFLW competition.

“There was a group of us that were put in the leadership group from the AFLW with the VFLW girls – Kristi Harvey, Chloe Dalton and Katelyn Cox – so between us we make up the VFLW leadership team,” she said.

“Having the younger girls around, I’ve been working on my leadership and bringing them up to a higher standard.”

Hosking will look to extend her purple patch into this weekend’s clash with the Casey Demons. The Melbourne affiliate is sitting one position behind Carlton in ninth spot on the ladder, with just percentage separating the two teams.

If that’s not motivation enough, Hosking believes there will be some added spice to the contest.

“There should be a bit of a rivalry I think, which is exciting,” she said.

“A former Carlton player (Maddi Gay) has just gone across to Melbourne, so she’ll be playing and that’ll be exciting.”

The Blues take on Casey Demons this Saturday at Casey Fields, with the first bounce at 10:30am.