The State 16s girls football team will have a distinct look about it when the players hit the field later this month.
For the first time, the WA squad of 24 will have not one but two sets of twins competing in the AFL School Girls Championships starting on July 22.
Carine Senior High School Year 9 students Rachel and Claire Ortlepp are one of the two sets of twins who will fly to Adelaide next week to compete against Victoria, South Australia and Northern Territory.
Coach Oliver Beath said having twins could be a real advantage.
“Twins read each other’s game so well that they get into position to pass, receive or assist without having to say anything,” he said.
The 14-year-old twins last played football during their Auskick days when they were six, but that did not stop them from trying out for the national competition.
“I've always liked football, and been eager to play so I decided to try out for the team,” Rachel said.
“Mum wasn't too keen, as the trial was a day after our school camp, but eventually she relented and let us.”
While the girls barrack for rival clubs in the AFL – Rachel for Port Adelaide and Claire for the Brisbane Lions – there is one thing in the AFL they can agree on, throwing on the black and gold for WA.
“We love that we have an opportunity to represent our state,” Claire said.