Queensland twins Laquoiya and Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap have committed to sign with Port Adelaide for the upcoming NAB AFLW season.
The 19-year-olds were informed of the offer to join the club during an emotional Zoom call with their uncle, former Port Adelaide forward, Che Cockatoo-Collins.
Also present on the call were Port’s head of AFLW Juliet Haslam, list manager Naomi Maidment, head coach Lauren Arnell and the twins’ parents, who watched on as Laquoiya and Litonya clutched their faces, bursting into happy tears.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Cockatoo-Collins delivered the news to his nieces, following a heartfelt speech on the importance of the family’s ties to the club.
Born and bred in Cairns, the former under 18 Queensland representatives could not be more excited to be committing to Port Adelaide.
“My twin uncles got drafted together so we’re lucky that we both got picked up together as well,” Litonya said.
“We're actually still pinching ourselves.”
At 14, the sisters were introduced to club football after participating in a school carnival and showing a natural aptitude for the sport. Since then, the pair’s involvement with the Gold Coast Suns Academy has exposed them to the professional side of football.
The chance to join a club with a strong connection to the Indigenous community also means a lot to the duo.
“I’ve heard that Port has a strong Indigenous program, and it makes me feel excited and happy that our club will have an understanding of the importance of culture,” Laquoiya said.
“For me, being connected to the community is important. We’ve always taken part in our community through our parents and the work they do and to be a part of a club that acknowledges the contribution of our people is amazing. We’re both proud to be a part of this club.”
Laquoiya, a forward pocket and Litonya, a half-back, have a strong connection to family, and look forward to carrying on the tradition at Alberton.
“Family is really important to us and I think it’s really special now that my sister and I are the first girls in our family to get picked for Port Adelaide,” Litonya said.
Laquoiya added, “all my mother’s brothers – Uncle Che, Uncle David and Uncle Donald all played for Port Adelaide in the SANFL, and Uncle Jason Cockatoo. Uncle Che also played for the Power. We have a strong family history with the club and for my sister and I, it just made sense to continue our family’s legacy…our uncles are like father figures to us.”
Haslam shared that the Zoom call with Cockatoo-Collins and his nieces was the most special moment she’s had since assuming her role as the head of the women’s program.
“It’s not every day you get to have moments like this,” she said.
“It was such a special experience and I feel really honoured to have been a part of it. We value care and connection at Port Adelaide, and we can already see those qualities in Laquoiya and Litonya.”
The Cockatoo-Motlap sisters’ on-field talent has head coach Arnell extremely excited for what’s to come.
“Both players are really nice kicks of the football and really balanced offensively,” Arnell said.
“When the ball turns over, they’ve got great ability to get the ball back, plus they’re fierce with their tackling, which we love here at Port Adelaide.
“Litonya is more of a half-back who offers good pressure defensively, while Laquoiya is a creative forward. While right now they’re both at different ends of the ground, they offer similar traits so we're really looking forward to them bringing a lot to our club.”
