“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 missed out on a place in the Central Victoria Football League for the 2026 season after the Riddell District Football Netball League appealed against the club’s entry.

AFL Victoria upheld the RDFNL’s challenge last week, overturning the CVFL’s earlier decision to accept the club.

The RDFNL had rejected KWFC’s bid to play in its competition last year, but said at the time it wished the women well in pursuing “other opportunities”.

The Express contacted RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle seeking a statement explaining the league’s objection. He responded in writing with “no comment”.

In its decision, AFL Victoria said it was not satisfied that Kyneton could sustainably support a second women’s football club in the long term. It also raised concerns about potential disruption to established junior development pathways at neighbouring clubs.

KWFC president Natalie Korinfsky said the decision devastated the playing group.

“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 emerged from upheaval. Last year, more than 30 players and their coaches walked out of the Kyneton Football Netball Club, citing inequitable treatment and disrespect. The RDFNL rejected their application to join the league for the 2025 season, forcing the group to temporarily align with Gisborne in the Essendon District Football League. The united team went on to claim a premiership 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 confronting 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 response at the time. AFL Victoria has not released the findings.

“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 secured formal acceptance into the CVFL, making last week’s reversal particularly 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, where it will seek a review and overturning of AFL Victoria’s decision. Fundraising has begun to secure legal support for the challenge.

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