A grand way to honour late dad

SEVERAL times each week, the Featherston twins Mia and Gabbi, with their mother Bec, stick the yellow L plate in the window, settle in for some family bonding and take off down the Great Ocean Road.

The Apollo Bay sisters will again make the trip from the coast for the NAB League Grand Final on Sunday for the Geelong Falcons against Oakleigh Chargers.

There is extra significance for the pair, who continue to play in the same colours as their late father Peter.

The champion local footballer played for the Falcons in 1995 and was killed when a car struck him on his bike in April 2014.

“With pretty much every game I still just feel like we are playing for him,” Gabbi (pictured) said.

“It would be a dream come true for him to see us win a premiership.”

The Featherstons were almost inseparable on the field for Colac Imperials in defence.

But Falcons coach Paul Corrigan split them up this year, with Gabbi thrown into attack and pinch hitting in the ruck.

“We knew they had elements of being able to play at both ends and the way it has worked out with both of their strengths and the way they go about their games they ended up at either end of the ground,” Corrigan said.

It took some time to adjust, but Mia has grown without Gabbi alongside her.

“It was a bit weird at first because she used to give me tips and help me out and be my support,” Mia said.

“I love that she is down there to kick some goals.”

Gabbi played for the Falcons first and enjoyed some time with Vic Country in April but said her sister was closing the gap between them.

“I have always felt like we have been similar in levels (of play) but her confidence was lacking a bit after getting knocked back at times,” Gabbi said.

“So seeing that confidence grow has been good.”