Following considerable success with a dominant Auckland team of the era, dashing midcourter Joan Hodson first gained Silver Ferns selection in 1986.

A crowd favourite for her athletic ability and jovial nature, Hodson was a livewire performer from wing attack or centre with her darting runs, speedy delivery and slick feeding skills.

Probably at her best in the pivot’s role, she had a great understanding of the wing attack position through her creativity and understanding of space.

Blessed with great natural ability physically and deft ball handling skills, she was a fine athlete and bristled with flair and spontaneity.

The fun-loving Hodson represented the Silver Ferns at two Netball World Cups – 1987 and 1991 - her trademark skills on show as the Silver Ferns lost an agonisingly close 1991 Netball World Cup final by a solitary goal.

The happy-go-lucky midcourter remained a feature of the Silver Ferns until finishing her international career in 1993.