IN: J De Melo 11, S Goodwin 13, La Cockatoo-Motlap 31.

OUT: J Halfpenny 4 (omitted), S Syme 20 (omitted), B Perry 33 (omitted).

The Cockatoo-Motlaps will become the first Indigenous twins to play in the AFLW when Laquoiya makes her debut against St Kilda this Sunday, joining twin sister Litonya in Port Adelaide’s 21-player squad.

The pair will also play alongside Gemma Houghton – a mentor and role model for the 19-year-old sisters – as she takes the field for her 50th AFLW game.

Laquoiya and Litonya share a well-established connection to the club with their uncles Che, David and Donald Cockatoo-Collins, who all played for Port Adelaide in the SANFL, while Che also played 75 games for the Power in the AFL.

At 14 years old, the sisters were introduced to club football after participating in a school carnival and showing a natural aptitude for the sport.

They later joined the Gold Coast Suns Academy, which exposed them to the professional side of football, with Laquoiya developing into a crafty forward.

The Cockatoo-Motlap twins will play along side 50-gamer Gemma Houghton - who has been a mentor for the 19 year olds. Image: Matt Sampson.

While both players work at opposite ends of the ground, they offer similar on-field traits including good running speed and a fierce tackling ability.

Laquoiya’s debut means the full squad of 30 Port Adelaide players have all had a chance to play at AFLW level this season, contributing to both individual and team development.

Young defender Sarah Goodwin and athletic forward Jade De Melo both return to the side this week, while Britt Perry, Tessa Doumanis and Jade Halfpenny have been named emergencies.

St Kilda is currently sitting 14th on the AFLW ladder with two wins on the board and will be hoping to break its six-game losing streak.

The clash begins at 12:40pm ACDT and will be shown live on Foxy Footy, Kayo and womens.afl.

Round 9 Team Selection

B: A. Borg 21, A Ballard 19
HB: H Dunn 24, I Tahau 10, E O’Dea 2
C: A Foley 3, J Mules 14, S Goodwin 13
HF: G Houghton 27, K Surman 26, E Phillips 1-C
F: J De Melo 11, A Dowrick 5
Foll: O Levicki 18, J Yorston 6, M Moloney 9
I/C: L Johnson 23, E Boag 17, H Ewings 12, Li Cockatoo-Motlap 30, La Cockatoo-Motlap 31

Emergencies: B Perry 33, T Doumanis 8, J Halfpenny 4.