Bunyip FNC elects Cass Hackett as first female president in its 145-year history

Bunyip has made a string of exciting announcements since making the move back to Ellinbank and District league for 2025.

Bunyip is returning to the Ellinbank and District league in 2025.

As Bunyip’s new president Cass Hackett puts it, “there’s a bit going on” at the Bulldogs.

“Absolute excitement,” Hackett says of the club’s fresh start and new direction.

Bunyip is changing leagues, returning to the Ellinbank and District league in 2025.

Hackett became the club’s first female president in its 145-year history when elected last week.

And the Bulldogs have also appointed a new coach, with former Werribee Centrals and Albanvale coach Nick Smith taking the reins.

After eight years in the West Gippsland competition, Bunyip believed they were better suited to the Ellinbank league, in which they had much success, including premierships in 1990, 2000 and 2012.

Cass Hackett, elected first female president of Bunyip Football Club, and Scott Squires elected vice president. Picture: Facebook

Nick Smith is Bunyip’s new coach. Picture: Stephen Harman

Hackett says it’s the right move for the Bulldogs, who failed to make finals in its time in the WGFC and went winless in 2024.

“We just found we couldn’t compete in the West Gippsland league against a lot of the stronger clubs in that league and the best place for us was to be back where we belong, Ellinbank and District Football Netball League,” Hackett said.

“We put a little crew together to go and speak to the current Ellinbank league clubs and they did a fantastic job with the presentation they put towards those clubs and they voted for us to re enter so it’s very, very exciting.”

Hackett is a “born and bred” Bunyip girl who is passionate about seeing the club thrive.

“I’ve been here pretty much my whole life,” she said.

“I’ve had a lot of involvement at the Bunyip netball club over the years as a player, administrator. I’m a life member there.

“I’ve always liked being around the footy club obviously…I changed over to the administration side on the committee a couple of years ago. I thought the time was right for me to step up and bring some of my ideas and have a go.

Tom Papley of the Sydney Swans celebrates a goal in the grand final. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I’m passionate about learning more about football and that side of things…there’s a lot of knowledge around me and people I can call on to help me out which I will absolutely be doing.

“I’m just really excited to lead the club into what I see as…it’s like a rebirth of the club, going back to Ellinbank, and a new coach…and the way we’ve set the club up with a football department it’s pretty exciting.’’

Bunyip is the home club of Sydney Swans star Tom Papley, who keeps in contact with the club and helps out where he can.

Last season he sent video messages to Bunyip’s junior sides ahead of their finals matches.

“Tom’s always around for a phone call or a message to the players, whatever he can do,’’ Hackett said.

“This is his home club, his home town, and we love him and appreciate his support.’’