by Emma Ballingall

An awkward secret ballot draw was required 21-years ago for Annie van der Heyden to become the first female club president in the Ellinbank and District Football Netball League.
Now back for a second stint at Longwarry, Annie isn't alone. She is currently one of four female presidents driven by club pride, family legacy and a chase for ultimate success to take up a role traditionally held by men.
Being voted in as Longwarry Football Club president in 2004 - a league first - the then 24-year-old was the only female amongst "a big boys' club." The toughest part of her role - "probably dealing with the blokes."
Fast forward to now, Annie declared "there's no such thing as a boys' club" as she met with Buln Buln's Rosa Jagoe, Bunyip's Cass Hackett and Yarragon's Renee Kemp, who all share the honours of being their first female presidents in their clubs.

"Now it's just a given us girls can do anything the guys can do, or ev