Prompt decision making has resulted in AFL Victoria approving Kyneton Football Netball Club’s application to be a 100 per cent Riddell League participant next season.
The decision earlier this week enables Kyneton’s senior men’s football and netball teams to join their women’s and junior football teams in the Riddell League.
The other good news story for the Kyneton this week is the appointment of one of the club’s favourite sons, Ethan Foreman, as senior football coach for the next two seasons, filling the position vacated by former AFL star Paul Chapman several weeks ago.
It is understood the Bendigo Football Netball League will not oppose Kyneton’s move to the Riddell League.
The following statement was issued by Riddell League CEO Jordan Doyle after being informed of AFL Victoria’s decision.
“The RDFNL have been looking for a senior club to join the league for some time now and it is great that it has come to fruition with Kyneton FNC,” Doyle said.
“Kyneton approached us some time ago and it has been a lengthy process to ensure all parties involved are happy with the move. These decisions need time and care as there is a lot of people affected and a lot of club history to consider.”
Due to Kyneton FNC having already been accepted by the RDFNL clubs last season, the move did not need to go to a vote, but the RDFNL was pleased to have the support of the senior clubs and their committees.
“We thank the RDFNL senior clubs for their support of this move and think that the KFNC will be a great fit for the RDFNL in 2024 and beyond.”
FOREMAN IN CHARGE
The talented and community-orientated Ethan Foreman has a wealth of football experience behind him, including premierships with Riddell as a 19-year-old, and with Gisborne in the Bendigo League last season.
He coached Kyneton Under 18s this season as well as playing in senior ranks.
A born and bred Kyneton local, Foreman progressed through the local junior ranks, culminating in 28 games with the Bendigo Pioneers across 2009-2010.
Debuting for the senior team as a 15-year-old in 2008, he chalked up his 100-game milestone early in 2023.
As a man with many mates, Foreman has shared his football talents a little over the past decade.
As a 19-year-old, he was a premiership winner with Riddells Creek in the RDFL, and picked up the Doug McIntyre medal as the best player on the ground for good measure.
In 2022, another premiership, this time in the Bendigo Football Netball league with Gisborne up the road.
With two flags under his belt, home was calling.
Returning to the KFNC in 2023 as not only a senior player, but also taking on the role of Under 18s coach, Foreman quickly re-established himself as a much-loved member of the club.
After creating an amazing environment for the under 18s boys, as a mentor and a mate, he demonstrated his outstanding leadership skills throughout the year, in particular through a very challenging time for the Kyneton and Castlemaine communities.
The Tigers can’t wait to see Foreman thrive as their new senior coach.
