The Kyneton Women’s Football Club will take to the field in 2026, under the banner of the Wedge-Tailed Eagles.
The Wedgies released a statement on Tuesday 17 February saying it had received official confirmation that it had been approved to play in the Central Victorian Football League this year.
The club had previously been knocked back by AFL Victoria after the Riddell District Football Netball League appealed it joining the neighbouring league.
The Wedge-Tailed Eagles said it marked a significant milestone following months of advocacy, uncertainty and unwavering determination from players and supporters.
“The club formally submitted a new application following a recent meeting with AFL, where a fair and equitable pathway forward was discussed, that ensured the players could compete together as a group and club in their own right,” the club said in the statement.
“In the weeks following that meeting, the club prepared a new submission to the CVFL, including amendments aimed at addressing the concerns of external stakeholders.
“AFL Victoria also waived the standard new club admission deadline to allow the application to be considered on its merits.
“Today, we received formal written approval of our new application to compete in the CVFL in 2026 – a moment met with both relief and excitement across the playing group and our community of supporters.”
President Natalie Korinfsky said the approval represented far more than just a place in a competition.
“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 RDFNL in a statement said that the club had agreed to change its name to the Wedge-Tailed Eagles and be based at the Woodend Racecourse Recreation Reserve, pending Macedon Ranges council approval.
“We acknowledge the club’s decision to compromise on both its name and home venue, with Woodend Racecourse Reserve now nominated pending council approval,” the statement said.
“This aligns with guidance provided at a 2024 meeting, reiterated by the RDFNL in July 2025, and reinforced by the AFL at an independent meeting held on Monday, 9 February.
“While the past 15 months have been challenging, the RDFNL respects the outcome and sincerely hopes the newly established Wedge-Tailed Eagles Football Club, the Central Victorian Football League, and the RDFNL each enjoy successful seasons ahead.”
The league in a previous statement said it would not support the club joining any competition if Kyneton was part of the name.
For the Wedge-Tailed Eagles the decision comes after nearly 15 months of trying to find a new home.
“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,“ Korinfsky said.
“We are proud to represent our region, proud of our players, and excited for what comes next.“
Meanwhile, the RDFNL in its statement acknowledged comments made on a social media post by former vice-president Andrew Power.
The league said following a brief review, Power and the RDFNL mutually agreed that his personal views are not aligned with the values of the league, its board, and staff.
“Andrew has resigned from his position as vice president effective immediately as of yesterday Monday 17th of February.
“The RDFNL does not condone or support the behaviour reflected in those comments and apologises for any distress caused to members of our community.”
AFL Victoria has been contacted.
