SARAH Hosking is confident that the Blues have learnt from their unfortunate end to 2019 and are looking forward to the new season. 

As someone who has been a Blue from the beginning, Hosking was there for that memorable opener in 2017 as well as on Grand Final day last year.

When speaking to media alongside Richmond’s Sabrina Fredrick, Hosking was confident that the season opener would not rattle her side. 

“I think it’s an understanding of what to expect coming into a game like this,” Hosking said.

“If anything, I think the girls are just prepared.” 

The focus for the Blues during pre-season has been to reflect on last year and work on making a strong impact come Round 1. 

After an unforgettable road to the decider, Hosking said the loss would fuel as motivation for the upcoming season.

“I don’t really think you ever forget about something like [last year],” she said.

“In our pre-season, it was just making sure we worked on the things that we needed to work on and putting our best foot forward for Round 1.”

Although the Round 1 event is classified as Richmond’s home game, the game will be played at Ikon Park: undeniably, the home of everything Navy Blue. 

A momentum push may be behind Richmond, with Friday being its first0ever AFLW game, but Hosking believes the familiarity of Ikon Park will be in the Blues’ favour. 

“I know it’s Richmond’s home game, but here at Ikon Park where we’re lucky enough to train every day, we have an upper hand there,” said Hosking. 

“For Carlton to bring it back to the home of women’s football here and now at Ikon Park, we’re just really excited to get out there on Friday.”