IF having one footballer in the family playing Hampden seniors is an achievement, then two before the age of 18 is a special feat indeed.

But it’s one the Nicholls family got the chance to celebrate a fortnight ago as brothers Noah and Klay Nicholls ran out together to play in Portland’s senior football game against Cobden at Hanlon Park.

The pair, who also played together against Camperdown on the weekend just gone, both still qualify for under-18s football, while Klay even qualifies for under-16s where he is captain and plays on a Sunday.

“It was exciting when I heard the news, ‘Huppo’ (senior coach Lochie Huppatz) just took me to a quiet area and let me know I’d earned the call up,” Klay said.

“I’m proud to have reached the senior level at quite a young age, it’s good to see that hard work I’ve done with Portland and (Greater Western Victoria) Rebels pay off a little bit.”

Klay had a relatively strong game for his debut, picking up 18 disposals (fifth highest on the team) along with seven marks and three tackles against Cobden.

“It took about half time to get used to the pace of it and then I kind of gradually got into it,” he said.

“Warming up and getting ready was fairly different, they do things a little bit different to what the younger boys do… even down to like having the massage tables out at half time and everything.

“Being in the Rebels program I think did me a lot of good, the coaching there was very good, and we got a chance to get some individual feedback which was great.

“They know a lot about the game, and they helped with what I need to be doing on and off the field.”

While Klay is no stranger to playing against people years older than him, he said there was a big difference between playing against older junior players and stepping into the seniors.

“It was different to line up against grown men who would’ve been close to twice my age in some cases,” he said.

“It is a little bit of a step up as an under-16 playing 18s, but senior football is another level.

“I’m still playing under-16s the next day, so I just have to make sure I’m doing all the right things with my recovery and all that stuff, using the ice baths and everything to get myself ready to go for the next day.”

For Noah, while it was a cool moment to run out alongside his younger brother it wasn’t something which was too out of the ordinary.

“It was good, but it felt normal as we’ve played a lot of junior footy together,” he said.

“There’s a two-year gap between us but he’s often been able to step up and play that older age bracket.

“I didn’t have too much advice for him other than to just not over think it and play his natural game.”

Noah has also been an early achiever, as while he’s spent the entire season in the seniors despite being eligible for under-18s, he was also called up for three senior games last season.

“I’ve enjoyed being a part of the senior team this season and a bit of last season,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to the seniors for the rest of the season and at some point, hopefully helping the under-18s as we make a run at finals.”