Gisborne-Kyneton United creates history with undefeated premiership

Earlier this year, few could have predicted that Gisborne and Kyneton would be celebrating an undefeated premiership together.

Gisborne was in the process of rebuilding its senior women’s program after a year off and still searching for players to complete a list. Kyneton, meanwhile, had taken the bold step of forming its own independent women’s football club, but was left without a league to play in.

The two clubs came together, and from that partnership Gisborne-Kyneton United was born under Gisborne FNCs affiliation with the EDFL. The result has been nothing short of remarkable.

On Saturday, United capped off a perfect season with a dominant Grand Final win over Taylors Lakes — the fourth time the sides had met in 2025. After a few close encounters during the season, GKU announced themselves in the qualifying final with a 61-point victory, setting the tone for the decider.

There were no signs of nerves on Grand Final day. United burst out of the blocks with four first-quarter goals and by half-time had the game firmly in control, leading 7.7 to 1.2. From there, the historic premiership never looked in doubt.

It was an all-round team performance. Midfielders Hateley, Ainslie and Nicholson were superb through the middle, while Macumber, Williams and Bracey provided plenty of firepower up forward with multiple goals. O’Kelly had a career best game on the wing and half forward and provided plenty of run and carry. Across the ground, GKU’s pressure and tackling was relentless, leaving Taylors Lakes without answers to a well-drilled unit. Belinda Hateley won best on ground for the match.

GKU 10-12- 72 def Taylors Lakes 1-2-8.

United’s 2025 season will be remembered not just for the silverware, but for the spirit of two clubs uniting to achieve something greater together — an undefeated premiership and a place in local football history.