By PETER DOUGLAS
LAURA Gillard, 14, and Laura McLellan, 13, share more than just a first name.
The Under 14s Monbulk footballers have also travelled an uncanny path through the junior ranks, which last week saw them both play their 100th match simultaneously.
The young Hawks first started playing in the Under 9s and have barely missed a weekend of football.
Interestingly, they also attend Monbulk College together and, needless to say, they have become best of friends.
Laura Gillard, a Collingwood fan, said she loved everything about Aussie rules.
“When I started playing, I just enjoyed it straight away,” she said.
“I like the fast pace and learning all the skills.”
Laura McLellan, a Richmond fan, said the girls had enjoyed playing in a mixed team.
“The boys have never played up, once we settled into the team, we’ve all become close friends,” she said.
On the field, Laura McLellan plays a key defensive role, while Laura Gillard is versatile on the wing.
Some of their highlights have included a grand final victory in 2012, while playing in the Under 11s.
The girls both wanted to thank their coaches over the years, including Peter Green.
Brian Rak from the Monbulk Junior Football Club congratulated both girls.
“It is of great significance to have two girls reach the milestone for our club,” he said.
“I’m not sure if it has happened in the league before.
“From the club’s perspective, we are extremely proud of their achievement.”
This will be their last season in the mixed competition and the girls are unsure if they will continue with the sport.
Due to being talented basketballers as well, they now face a choice whether to swap football boots for basketball shoes.
