The Kyneton women are officially ready to soar.
After months of uncertainty, persistence and passionate advocacy, the Kyneton Women’s Football Club has been given the green light to compete as the Wedge-Tailed Eagles in the Central Victoria Football League for the 2026 season.
For players and supporters who refused to give up, the moment marks far more than just entry into a competition – it’s the culmination of a hard-fought journey to be recognised on their own terms.
Club spokesperson Natalie Korinfsky said the decision was deeply meaningful for everyone involved.
“This is an incredibly significant day for our players and our community,” she said.
“Our group has remained united and resilient throughout this process, and today’s outcome ensures they will be able to take the field together, as the club they have built.
“There were compromises along the way, but we have stood firm on what matters most – the right for our players to compete as their own entity, in an environment that is safe, supportive and respectful.”
The road to this point has been anything but smooth.
After breaking away from the Kyneton Football Netball Club in 2024 amid claims of inequitable treatment and disrespectful conditions, the women initially faced barriers to entering a competition under their original name.
The Riddell District Football Netball League had opposed the use of ‘Kyneton’ in the club’s title, but has since confirmed it does not object to the team joining the CVFL under its new identity.
That breakthrough followed a key meeting with AFL officials, where a pathway was established to ensure the group could remain together and compete as a standalone club.
In the weeks that followed, the club refined its application, addressing stakeholder concerns and strengthening its case. AFL Victoria also stepped in to waive the standard deadline for new club admissions – a move that ensured the application would be assessed on its merits.
Then came the moment they had been waiting for.
Last week, formal approval arrived, sparking relief, excitement and pride across the playing group and the wider community that has backed them every step of the way.
The journey has also ignited a broader conversation about inclusion and player-first pathways in regional football, with the club’s campaign drawing support locally, nationally and even internationally.
Now, the focus shifts firmly to the future.
“Our commitment has always been to provide our players with everything they need to play football competitively, while also building a club that contributes positively to Kyneton and the surrounding communities,” Ms Korinfsky said.
“We are proud to represent our region, proud of our players, and excited for what comes next.”
With their place secured, the Wedge-Tailed Eagles will begin preparations immediately for their inaugural CVFL season in 2026 – ready to take the field, together at last.
LEAGUE VP RESIGNS
In a separate development, RDFNL vice-president Andrew Power has resigned following offensive comments made on the women’s club’s social media.
In a statement, the league said it became aware of the comments last Monday.
“Following a brief review, Andrew Power and the RDFNL mutually agreed that his personal views are not aligned with the values of the league, its board and staff,” the statement said.
“The RDFNL does not condone or support the behaviour reflected in those comments and apologises for any distress caused to members of our community.”
