Fitzroy President, Joan Eddy, was recognised by the VAFA at the season launch at the MCG on Wednesday night.

Asked to offer up the toast to open the season the first woman to do it in the league's 127 year history Joan was also surprised to learn she was to be amongst eight of her peers to be awarded a certificate of merit.

The Fitzroy Directors had nominated Joan for her incredible service to community football over 20 years and here is the citation read out on the night as VAFA President, George Voyage, acknowledged her achievements:

"For more than 20 years, Joan Eddy has given selfless service to community football through her involvement with Fitzroy Football Club. From the time Joan brought her son to the Fitzroy-Carlton Auskick at Brunswick St Oval in 1995, she has led from the front as Auskick Coordinator, Team Manager for Fitzroy Juniors and Juniors Secretary. Once her son graduated to U19s with Fitzroy, Joan became team manager for another two years, Vice-President in 2009, and has been Fitzroys universally-respected President since 2010!

"Joan introduced the clubs ritual of acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, officiates their Annual Anzac Day ceremonies and was instrumental in the introduction of Fitzroys womens teams in late 2014."

Congratulations Joan. We couldn't do it without you. Head to the VAFA website to read about the other wonderful volunteers from across the competition, acknowledged for their service and commitment, including Bruno Conti from North Old Boys, who was inducted as a Life Member and Nancy McTaggart, recognised for 50 years of service!