Trailblazing Twins Shatter Glass Ceiling
iidentical twins Paula Malau-Aduli and Page Malau-Aduli have etched their names into the history books as the first twins to officiate at a national level in Australia.
Their remarkable achievement has shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of officials.
Debut Match and Historic Roles
Paula made her highly anticipated A-League debut as a referee, taking on the role of assistant referee for the clash between Brisbane Roar and Canberra United. Simultaneously, her twin sister, Page, served as the official fourth official on the sidelines, marking a truly historic occasion.
“It is a rarity to see twin sisters take the field as referees in a single match, but such took place in Australia this year,” observed sports writer Oluwaseun Oyediji.
Breaking New Ground in Australian Football
This momentous event signifies a significant milestone in Australian football, as it is the first time identical twins have officiated at a national level.
Their achievement not only celebrates their individual successes but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring officials from diverse backgrounds.
Match Recap and Individual Accolades
The match itself ended with a 2-1 victory for Canberra United, with late goals from Michelle Heyman and Vesna Milivojevic overturning Jenna McCormick’s first-half strike for Brisbane Roar.
Despite the result, the true triumph belonged to the Malau-Aduli sisters, who made history on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Michelle Heyman’s stellar performances were recognized as she was named Canberra United’s Player of the Season, further solidifying her legacy in Australian football.
