Auckland defender Temalisi Fakahokotau first burst onto the scene as an exciting 19-year-old following an impressive 2014 trans-Tasman season with the Northern Mystics.

That quickly transpired into a call-up to the Silver Ferns squad the same year and an international debut against Australia.

An abundance of natural talent was not enough to keep Fakahokotau at the top of her game as she subsequently slipped down the defensive pecking order before reinventing herself after a move south to join the Mainland Tactix.

A supremely fit and well-conditioned Fakahokotau produced a sparkling 2017 for the Tactix, back to her best in showcasing a rich array of talent. Not overly tall for the custodian’s position of goalkeeper, Fakahokotau’s athleticism shone through on a regular basis with her ability to come from nowhere to reel in aerial ball and thrilling on-the-run intercepts.

With an impressive standing jump, sure handling and athletic ability, the irrepressible Fakahokotau is a naturally talented defender with the ability to cover all three defensive positions and at her best, can easily swing a game.