Image: Ben Gross / Sunraysia Daily
AFL Victoria congratulates newly appointed Bambill Football Netball Club President, Jane Boulton, as the first female to step into the role of president in the club's almost 100 year history.
Bambill FNC was established in 1927, and competes in the Millewa Football League, with teams based in north-western Victoria and south-western New South Wales, Australia.
As a fourth-generation Bambill member, Jane Boulton bleeds red, white and black as she follows in the footsteps of her grandfather and father after last week being announced as the new Saints president, following Luke Hubble stepping aside from the role.
Whilst Boulton is making history as the first female president for the club, she said that it was not ever at the forefront of her mind when taking on the position.
“It's exciting, it's a great club that's obviously been a big part of my family and my whole life, it's just exciting to take on an official role," she told Mitch Rodd at Sunraysia Daily.
“I've been a committee member for quite a while.
"The family connection goes back to my great grandfather, then my grandfather was president, my dad was president, and my uncle ‘Punk' (Paul) is the games record holder.
“My mum, dad and uncle are all life members, it's in my blood."
Boulton, a multiple-time netball premiership player for the club's B Grade side, said the inclusivity and family atmosphere at the club was something she wanted to continue.
“Luke Hubble has been a fantastic president over his tenure and he's done some brilliant work behind the scenes," she said.
“It's great to have Ebony Roberts continue on in her role of secretary, she does so much hard work behind the scenes, and we have a great committee on board for the 2025 season.
“This is a great club, we're all one big Bambill family so just to continue that and make it a place that everyone wants to be here and enjoy each other's company, footballers and netballers, and ideally continue the success.
“We're all pretty proud to wear the red, black and white and 1 think when new players come to the club they see straight away that it's one big happy family.
“Some people might see football and netball as a bit of chore or hard work doing these kinds of roles, but I get to hang out with my best mates and play a bit of sport on the side as well.”
While the Saints will celebrate their centenary in 2027, Boulton said everyone was looking forward to celebrating that very milestone for the Millewa Football League in 2025.
“I'm a Millewa girl and my parents are from out that way so everyone is quite excited about it,” she said.
Jane's hopes her appointment will inspire more women and girls to pursue leadership positions at their local footy clubs.
Women or gender diverse people currently holding volunteer leadership positions are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Lead Your Way progam, with the program, delivered by AFL Victoria, tailored to support senior leaders at club committee, board or executive level - primarily club presidents or future club presidents.
For more information on the Lead Your Way program, CLICK HERE.
To apply for the 2025 Lead Your Way program, CLICK HERE.