Eagles create history

Kate Borch and Janelle Lloyd step into the presidency and vice-presidency following the club’s annual general meeting.

Borch said the leadership transition was about ensuring stability for a club that has long prided itself on its family-focused culture.

“I never aspired to be president,” Borch said. “The existing board had been there for quite a while and they were needing a break.

“Nelly and I were drawn to it because it’s a great club, a great family club, and we need to ensure it has longevity for the kids.”

Sharney Bowen was announced as club secretary, with the club yet to appoint a new treasurer.

“I think it’s the first time in the club’s history that there’s been a fully female-led leadership group,” Lloyd said.

Both women have children involved in the junior ranks. Borch’s daughter Alexis plays netball and son Talon plays junior football, while Lloyd’s son Harper is also part of the football program. Their connection, Borch said, grew entirely through volunteering at the club.

“We’re very close, but we actually only met through the club.

“We used to do the Thursday night dinners together. That helped us meet people, get out there, and we’ve had a great time and made a great friendship out of it.”

The pair is focusing on incremental improvements while acknowledging the club’s major infrastructure dreams – including new clubrooms – remain financially out of reach for now.

“We’d love new clubrooms, but that would cost millions. We just don’t have that capacity,” Borch said. “So it’s about working with what we have and asking people what they think the priorities are.

Maybe we can get a new scoreboard over the line – small things that make a difference.”

Borch stressed that inclusivity will underpin their leadership approach. They want to involve more members, especially those who might usually stay on the sidelines.

“We’re keen to share roles and be inclusive. Sometimes it’s about tapping people on the shoulder who are sitting in the car and bringing them into the fold. That’s how Nelly and I got to where we are.”

The response from within the club has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s been amazing,” Borch said. “A lot of people said we should’ve done it earlier. Everyone from coaches to coordinators has been extremely supportive.”