Northampton’s Julia and Tiani Teakle ready for golden homecoming in Seroja fundraiser match against Tigers

Julia and Tiani Teakle will be playing for more than just top spot when they pull on the blue-and-white for East Fremantle in Northampton this weekend. The game will be a homecoming for the rising stars after they moved to Perth and the WAFLW earlier this year. While it is a big occasion for them both to return home playing in WA’s elite Women’s league, they have a big job to do as the unbeaten Sharks battle second-placed Claremont to go two games clear in top spot. Julia has made a bright start in her first eight games at the Sharks, leading the club’s goalkicking with 15 while averaging more than 10 touches a game. Fifteen-year-old Tiani has also played three senior games, relishing playing alongside her sister. “In the last couple of weeks, I’ve been playing league with Jules, which is really good,” she said. “It’s been a good opportunity to get some experience, and that’s helping to better my game.” Tiani caught the eye of regional footy fans at just 14, playing for the Northampton Rams and could follow in the footsteps of Peel Thunder and Margaret River star Ella Roberts, who started her WAFLW career as a teen and is now shaping up as WA’s first draft pick. On the back of being key contributors to Northampton’s first ever GNFLW premiership in 2021, the Teakle sisters moved to Perth this year so Julia could attend university and both could further their footballing ambitions. However, Julia said they are both just taking opportunities as they come. “If the opportunity (for AFLW) arises, it would be great, but we’re just taking it as it comes,” she said. East Fremantle have recovered from the disappointment of missing finals in 2021 to take 2022 by storm, winning their first eight games, including two big wins against reigning premiers Peel Thunder in Mandurah, as well as a two-point win in their first outing against Claremont. “(This week is) a huge thing in the scheme of things because it’s for the top spot,” Julia said. “Claremont are really tough, so it’s a big game, and we’re pretty nervous.” The game will also act as a fundraiser to help families still dealing with the impacts of cyclone Seroja. “I just hope they have a good day out at the footy, and hopefully it draws a big crowd to hopefully give some money back to the community to rebuild,” Tiani said.