IMAGINE going in for a routine scan to see how your body is holding up and being told you had no ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).

Being told that the previous surgery you had five years ago wasn’t performed correctly.

Being told you had to have a corrective surgery right when you were climbing up ever so quickly in your netball career.

That was the reality for Tepaea Hobson.

“I didn’t want it to be true,” she told Rookie Me Central. “I got surgery done and that was fine then, and then I didn’t re-injure myself, my surgeon actually did my surgery wrong, so I technically was playing without an ACL for the last five years.”

In 2019, Hobson was selected into the under 15s state squad that travelled up to Queensland.

It was nearly half-time in the grand final against South Australia. With just seconds to go in the quarter, it’s South Australia’s centre pass. In a matter of moments, they lob the ball into their shooting circle, and Hobson who was playing goal keeper at the time, went for an intercept.

Instead of landing swiftly on her feet, Hobson jumped, deflected the ball, but landed awkwardly. She knew straight away it was her ACL.

Jump five years later, Hobson went under a general review with the VIS to make sure her body was in tip top shape, but instead found out news that disrupted her netball career.

“Because I play at a high level, [the VIS] said that I needed to get surgery,” Hobson said. “You need to get your knees fixed if you want to keep playing netball.”

“My knee was fine, held up okay, it never hurt. It was just structurally not stable.”

Hobson found out only three years ago about having ancestors who were Aboriginal. Until then, she only knew herself as being Māori through her dad who lives interstate.

Hobson has represented New Zealand at tournaments like the Pacific Cup, but now appreciates being able to represent both cultures and be more connected to her roots.

“Playing in those colours and playing for my culture … it made me play with a lot of pride,” she said.

“I haven’t really been connected to that side, but now that I know, I take that onto the court with me, being both Māori and Aboriginal,” Hobson said. 

“When I used to play for teams that were under age New Zealand, it made me feel closer to [my dad] sometimes and I think that was a way of connecting on another level with him as well.”

The defender has continued to stay loyal to Melbourne Uni ever since joining the club in 2021 in their lowest development team, Bolts two. Hobson quickly joined Bolts one the following year before earning her first Victorian Netball League (VNL) contract in 2023 as part of the under 19s squad, who were undefeated and ended their season as premiers.

Hobson nearly wasn’t going to be a part of the Lightning family for the 2024 season with the newly established Western Warriors calling.

In their inaugural season, the Warriors reached out to the rising star to be a part of their champ team who are linked to Westside Saints, a team Hobson previously played for coming through the ranks.

It was a tempting offer, but Hobson couldn’t give up the chance to keep her netball progressing with Melbourne Uni.

“I just wanted to take that big step in champ,” she said.

“It was one that a part of me would have wanted to play with my friends, but I think everyone needs to take a step like that in their career if they want to progress.”

It was also the club culture that Hobson couldn’t resist. The opportunity to continue working with Sarah Mylrea wasn’t something that could be given up easily.

“The club itself helped me because I have a lot of anxiety when it comes to proving myself and performing under pressure and Melbourne Uni, they know that,” Hobson said.

“Coaches know that, the team knows that, and they always get around me and that’s what helps me as well.”

After missing out on her champ debut this year, Hobson was re-signed to Melbourne Uni and is hoping to step out on court with her Lightning family for the 2025 VNL season.

Coming fresh off her maiden premiership in the blue, Hobson received a phone call from none other than Vic Fury head coach Di Honey.

“She called me on some random morning and said we really need a defender, one of our defenders got injured,” Hobson said.

“We would love for you to come to Vic Fury.”

Hobson was left speechless and with two days to pack and get to the team before they flew out to Moreton Bay.

“I thought I was going to be there just in case someone was injured, but then they put me in the first game and then the second.

“I wasn’t ready for that.”

Being the standout leader she is at Melbourne Uni, Gabby Coffey messaged Hobson straight away following her Vic Fury selection, stating her excitement for the youngsters appointment. Coffey was also the injured player that Hobson was replacing in the squad.

The now English bound Coffey was one of the first people to get in contact with Hobson following her ACL surgery wondering if she would be at training. Hobson then followed with “of course!”

The next thing Hobson knew was being presented with a bouquet of flowers and a card on behalf of the team at Melbourne Uni, and Coffey couldn’t resist but just held Hobson while crying.

“To just watch her on court is amazing and then just how she is as a captain and a leader off court is very inspiring as well and everyone at Melbourne Uni looks up to her and as club captain we’re so happy to have her,” she said.

“When I found out she was injured I was gutted for her because I wanted to see her play but she was very excited for me.”

Everything just became overwhelming for Hobson. A breakout year in the VNL, elevation into the Vic Fury squad, and her grandma not being in the best health.

“[It was hard] especially last year.” Hobson said. “In the matter of four weeks I had two grand finals, my VNL grand final and my footy netball league grand final.”

“I had Aus camp for three days and I had Vic Fury during those four weeks while my grandma was also in palliative care. I had to deal with all of this, and I didn’t want to go away to Queensland for Vic Fury.

“I also didn’t want to go to the Australian camp as well in Canberra, because my grandma was in hospital, but she made me go. I really had to put on a strong face, because it was the hardest time of my life.

“It was so hard. It was really hard.”

Hobson’s grandma passed away when she returned from Aus camp.

“The last time I got to speak to her was two weeks before I went to camp and then I just couldn’t do the (VIS) induction day,” Hobson said.

“I’ll do my bit later on because it’s too much for me.”

As a 19-year-old, Hobson was selected to take part of the Australian under 21s camp at the AIS as an invitee. This was following a near perfect netball season with the Lightning and Vic Fury.

Hobson’s dream of playing champ in the VNL is just around the corner, but it’s not the only thing she has her eye on. It’s to wear the green and gold dress in the Netball World Youth Cup in 2027.

She was disappointed not to take part in Vic Fury’s SSN Reserves campaign this year, but is determined to have a breakout year in the top division alongside some of her idols.

To make a team like the Australian under 21s side is the ultimate goal at this stage, but for now, Hobson’s focus is to get through the next VNL season injury free.

“Playing my best [is my goal] and also what I want to get out of this rehab is to not let it get to my confidence,” she said.

“When I come back to netball, I’m going to be lacking confidence because I haven’t played for a year, but I don’t want that to put me down. If anything, I want it to put me up because I am stronger and fitter than I was last year.”