“The question we are asking AFL Victoria is whether denying our club the right to affiliate reflects a system that prioritises protecting traditional club structures over the wellbeing, safety and participation of women who no longer feel respected or supported within those clubs.” – Kyneton Women’s Football Club president, Natalie Korinfsky

The Kyneton Women’s Football Club has been blocked from joining the Central Victoria Football League for season 2026 after the Riddell District Football Netball League appealed the club’s entry to the competition.

AFL Victoria upheld the RDFNL’s challenge last week, despite the CVFL having accepted the club to its fold.

The RDFNL had rejected the club from playing in its own league last year but wished the women well in exploring “other opportunities”.

RDFNL CEO Jordan Doyle was approached by the Express for a statement to explain the league’s objection. His written response was “no comment”.

In upholding the RDFNL’s appeal, AFL Victoria said it was not satisfied that a second women’s football club in Kyneton could be sustainably supported long-term and raised concerns about potential disruptions to established junior development pathways in neighbouring clubs.

KWFC president Natalie Korinfsky said the playing group was devastated.

“This decision follows the CVFL issuing a formal letter of intent to accept KWFC after the club successfully met all assessment criteria,” she said.

“We have complied with every process and expectation asked of us.”

KWFC was born from upheaval. More than 30 players and their coaches walked out of the Kyneton Football Netball Club last year, citing inequitable treatment and disrespect. Their application to join the RDFNL for the 2025 season was rejected, forcing the group to align temporarily with Gisborne in the Essendon District Football League. A premiership was the outcome for the united team after an unbeaten season.

“KWFC was established to provide a safe, inclusive and independent football environment for women, girls and gender-diverse people in Kyneton and surrounding areas,” Ms Korinfsky said.

“Following significant challenges experienced at our former club, KWFC continued consultation with AFL Victoria to ensure they were aware of the difficulties our players faced, and the structural and systemic barriers for standalone women’s football organisations.”

CALL TO RELEASE FINDINGS

Earlier this year, AFL Victoria conducted a review into the circumstances surrounding the mass departure from the Kyneton Football Netball Club and the RDFNL’s earlier response. However, the findings have not been released.

“In the interests of transparency and confidence in the process, we have respectfully requested that the full review be released to our club and the general public,” Ms Korinfsky said.

With no local pathway available, KWFC pursued alternative competition options and was formally accepted by the CVFL – making last week’s reversal all the more devastating.

“To have our players once again left without a confirmed competition, despite meeting all criteria of a league that accepted us, is extremely disappointing,” Ms Korinfsky said.

“Our priority is to provide our players with a safe, respectful and stable football environment, and we remain committed to achieving that outcome.”

The club is now preparing to take its fight to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, seeking a review and overturning of the AFL Victoria decision. Fundraising has begun to secure the legal support required for the challenge.

Kyneton’s neighbouring women’s football team at Castlemaine is the reigning four-time premiership side in the CVFL.