O'Brien is believed to be the first female club president in Ovens and Murray history and is encouraging others to follow her lead.

"I think it's a step in the right direction for both the football and the netball," she said.

"30 years ago I suppose there wasn't a big female involvement in football.

"I think it shows that football as a whole is moving forward."

O'Brien is looking forward to working alongside fellow president Col McClounan, who has previously held the position for five years.

She said they will both bring different strengths to the Magpies.

"I think in sport, and any role really, it should be both female and male because both have assets that they can bring," she said.

"On the board we have both male and female and each bring their own strengths."

O'Brien admitted she's not only had support from the club in pursuing the role, but also the backing of her husband, Mick, and kids Laura, Taylor and Connor.

After the COVID-19 pandemic derailed football and netball seasons in the region, O'Brien hopes to see the club continue to build on its success in 2021.

Last year the Magpies' A-grade side became back-to-back premiers, with the seniors and thirds also making grand final appearances.

"COVID aside and if the season goes ahead, I guess just to have success on and off the field," she said.

"To have a great family club and continue that on, because that's how I really felt welcomed.

"And to hopefully have some further success on the field and court."

McClounan, who was last in the top job in 2017, said the club's investment in netball is paying off.

"We hadn't had a great deal of success from 1993 to that 2013 period," he said.

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"We really invested in that and we've seen the rewards in the last few years.

"Netball's a huge part of our club and the role women play in our club has always been very strong."

McClounan also has family ties to the Magpies with sons James and Campbell involved with the club.

He said the time was right for him to return to the ranks and he's looking forward to working with O'Brien.

"It's great that Ellyn's put her hand up," he said.

"From a volunteering perspective it's a big commitment any time you take these things on, so just having someone there to bounce off is great."

The club has commenced thirds training and netball skills sessions for under-17s on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Under-17 netball trials are planned for the coming weeks.

After a year on the sidelines McClounan admitted there's a buzz around the club heading into a new year.

"We've had good numbers of thirds on the track," he said.

"People are excited to get back and get some level of normality around their lives.

"Hopefully we can keep progressing with where we are now."