Powerful dream comes true for twins
TEENAGE twins with a deep family connection to Port Adelaide have become the latest in a string of footballers to join the Power’s inaugural women’s team.
Talented 19-year-old Queenslanders Laquoiya and Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap – nieces of former Power forward Che Cockatoo-Collins – will sign with Port when the AFLW’s sign and trade period opens in coming weeks.
Born in Cairns and now based on the Gold Coast, the twins were introduced to football aged 14 through school programs and went on to play for Queensland in the state’s under-18 representative side and have been involved with the Suns’ AFLW Academy.
While Litonya is a defender across halfback, Laquoiya plays in the forward pocket like her uncle, Che, who kicked 106 goals from 75 games in the Power jumper from 1999-2003.
The Cockatoo-Motlap connection to Port Adelaide is not only through their uncle Che, but all their uncles on their mother’s side.
Laquoiya said: “All my mother’s brothers – uncle Che, uncle David and uncle Donald all played for Port Adelaide in the SANFL, and uncle Jason Cockatoo.
“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.”