All three - Carnie, 16, Grace, 15, and Charlotte, 14 - play for Strathfieldsaye and bring something individual to the league. 

They are only the second trio of sisters to play in the same Bendigo youth girls side, following on from the Campbell girls, who played from 2009-2012. 

The extended age range of youth girls football, which caters for players from 13 to 18, allows for this unusual grouping.

The sisters are natural sportswomen with a long history of success in many fields, particularly athletics.

All three agree they have an advantage when they take to the field - they have a connection that is stronger than most other team-mates, so they use it to their advantage out on the oval.

“Because we know each other, we can work together, and as sisters this is something we can do together,” said Charlotte.

Dad Bruce initially wasn’t too keen on his daughters playing the game.

"Footy is for boys," he said. 

But after seeing them in action, he has completely changed his mind and absolutely loves watching them play! 

Mum Kylie is delighted they are all part of the same team. 

"I enjoy seeing their football skills develop and watching them tackle," she said.

All the parents want from their girls is for them to be safe, be first to the ball, tackle hard and most importantly, play fair.  

The Edlin sisters say they enjoy playing football because it’s with a great group of girls and it’s something new that they haven’t tried before. 

Carnie added she enjoys playing with her sisters because "your sisters always have your back”. 

Grace is skipper of Storm's under-18 youth girls side in 2014.

“This year I am captain, so I am going to enjoy being able to boss them around!” she laughed. 

All three girls show promising signs for extremely successful seasons now and into the future and I wish them the best for their football.  

I recall how much I enjoyed playing with my sisters and what a special time it is.

PEN PICS

Carnie Edlin

Age: 16

School: Bendigo Secondary Senior College, Year 11

Favourite football team: St Kilda

Favourite movie: Suddenly 30

Favourite food: Chocolate Bavarian Cheesecake

Interesting fact: This time next year, I will be in America

Sporting background: Played soccer and cricket at state level and was a member of Bendigo's 2014 Subway Shield youth girls football team

Future goals in football: Continue to improve and just keep having fun 

Grace Edlin

Age: 15

School: Bendigo South East College, Year 10

Favourite football team: Richmond

Favourite movie: The Heat

Favourite food: Chocolate 

Interesting fact: I have never had a broken bone

Sporting background: Played soccer and athletics. Member of 2014 Subway Shield football team. Third at nationals and first at states for race walking.

Future goals in football: I hope to improve and develop my skills, secure a position in the Bendigo representative sides and even play for Victoria

Charlotte Edlin

 Age: 14

School: Bendigo South East College, Year 9

Favourite football team: Richmond

Favourite movie: Any funny movies

Favourite food: Mum's fried rice or strawberry chocolate 

Interesting fact: I am left-handed but right-footed

Sporting background: Played soccer and athletics. Member of 2014 Subway Shield football team. Third at nationals and first at states for race walking.

Future goals in football: To continue to improve my football skills and make representative sides like the Subway Shield.

Grace Campbell is the AFL Victoria-Bendigo Advertiser Female Football Ambassador for this region. Schools interested in Grace hosting a girls' football clinic can contact Tony McNamara on 0419 103 178.