In an exciting new chapter for women’s football, the Kyneton Women’s Football Club and the Gisborne Football Netball Club women’s football team have announced a new partnership for the 2025 season.
Both clubs have come together to form a hybrid team—Gisborne-Kyneton United—to compete in the Essendon District Football League.
This collaboration unites two passionate, committed clubs with shared values of inclusivity, community spirit, player development and professionalism. Both clubs have a rich history of success and pride, and this partnership presents an exciting opportunity to elevate their women’s football programs in the region.
The Kyneton women’s team, formerly under the Kyneton FNC, has a strong track record, having featured in the Riddell League grand final in both 2023 and 2024. The team won their first premiership in the inaugural year of the RDFNL 2023 senior women’s competition. A large number of the players, dissatisfied with gender equity at Kyneton FNC, decided to form their own club at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, the GFNC women’s team has demonstrated a strong commitment to growth and achievement, quickly gaining recognition for its player development programs. The club has also worked with talented coach and VWFL life member Bernie Marantelli to relaunch their senior women’s program for 2025.
Gisborne-Kyneton United will combine the best elements of both clubs, blending their talent, experience and resources to form a competitive team for the 2025 season. This partnership will foster a stronger environment for player development while emphasising community and teamwork.
“It’s a really exciting time for both clubs,” said Natalie Korinfsky, president of the Kyneton Women’s Football Club.
“This partnership with Gisborne allows us to grow both of our women’s teams together for the season, ensuring that both clubs remain strong, sustainable and competitive moving forward. This collaboration will give our players the opportunity to stay together in 2025, while also learning from the talented players and leaders at Gisborne FNC.”
GFNC president, Tony Brancatisano, echoed those sentiments.
“We’ve been eager to grow our women’s football program, and this partnership is a fantastic way to do that,” he said.
“The shared values between our clubs are undeniable, and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2025. This is a huge step forward for both our teams and our local women’s football communities.”
This partnership will last for the 2025 EDFL season, with the Kyneton Women’s Football Club planning to reapply for the RDFNL in 2026. While the collaboration will span just one season, both clubs hope this partnership will pave the way for continued growth and greater opportunities in the region.
“We see this as a unique opportunity to build something special,” added Kyneton’s coach, Phil Hawkes.
“While this is a one-season partnership, our focus will be on creating the best environment for our players. After 2025, we’ll work hard to return to the RDFNL for 2026, and Gisborne will undoubtedly continue to grow with their revamped women’s football program. Both clubs will carry valuable lessons learned from this partnership as we continue to develop our women’s football programs.”
Gisborne’s coach, Bernie Marantelli, spoke highly of the first combined training session.
“It was fantastic to see both the Gisborne and Kyneton players coming together. There was a high level of motivation and commitment to working collaboratively and inclusively. All positive signs for the 2025 season.”
– See our Football and Netball Liftout in tomorrow’s Midland Express for more about the squad.
Photos: Ties Urie
