Glen Jakovich was a teenager playing for South Fremantle in 1990 when he was plucked from relative obscurity to represent WA against Victoria in State of Origin.

The June 26 match at the WACA saw the Vics win in a 37-point blowout, but was the beginning of a long and decorated national career for the 276-game West Coast defender.

Jakovich’s rare representative feat was expanded on by reporter Gary Stocks in the following day’s edition of The West Australian:

June 27, 1990: Promising South Fremantle half-forward Glen Jakovich joined an exclusive club when he made his senior interstate debut last night.

Jakovich, the WA Teal Cup captain, joined the ranks of the youngest players to represent WA in senior competition.

At 17 years and 94 days, Jakovich is the third youngest to wear a senior black-and-gold guernsey.

The distinction as the youngest player to earn state honours belongs to former South Fremantle great John Todd.

He was 17 years and 58 days when he played for WA against South Australia in Adelaide in 1955 - the year he won the Sandover Medal.

Former East Perth star Grant Campbell is also among those who had earned state selection before his 18th birthday.

His WA debut on July 7, 1979, came three days sooner than Jakovich.

Perth legend Ern Henfry was about a month short of his 18th birthday when he played against Victoria in June, 1939.

And another young star to earn a quick entry in state ranks was Fred Lewis, who was 18 when given his chance in 1965.

But Jakovich can hold one record to himself.

He will also have the chance to play for WA against South Australia in Adelaide on July 8 and will then captain the WA Teal Cup team in Brisbane a day later when the under-17 team begins its campaign for national honours.