Kyneton Women’s Football Club’s playing future remains unclear following an AFL Victoria decision.
In a statement released last week, the club said AFL Victoria had upheld an appeal preventing the club from joining the Central Victoria Football League.
The club applied to join the CVFL and other leagues after an application to join the Riddell District Football Netball League was knocked back.
The Wedgetails were formed after a number of players left the Kyneton Football Netball Club after “facing significant challenges”.
After being knocked back by the RDFNL for the 2025 season, the playing group joined forces with Gisborne in the Essendon District Football League.
The Kyneton women’s side is again trying to play as a standalone side this season.
In the statement, the Wedgetails expressed their disappointment at the process in knocking back then joining the CVFL.
“This decision follows the CVFL issuing a formal letter of intent to accept KWFC after the club successfully met all assessment criteria,” the statement said.
“Earlier this year and again more recently, KWFC applied to join the RDFNL; however, both applications were unsuccessful. The most recent rejection was provided without explanation or feedback.
“With no pathway available locally, the club explored alternative competition options and submitted an application to the CVFL.
“In accordance with AFL Victoria’s expansion policy, the CVFL notified AFL Victoria of its intention to admit KWFC.
“AFL Victoria then circulated this notice to all leagues. The RDFNL subsequently appealed the CVFL’s decision, and on Wednesday 10 December, CVFL advised the KWFC that AFL Victoria had upheld RDFNL’s appeal, preventing KWFC from entering the CVFL for the 2026 season.”
KWFC president Natalie Korinfsky said the outcome is disheartening and devastating for the club, adding that it has consistently met every requirement and demonstrated strong community support.
“We have complied with every process and expectation asked of us,” she said .
“To have our players once again left without a confirmed competition, despite meeting all criteria of a league that accepted us, is extremely disappointing. Our priority is to provide our players with a safe, respectful and stable football environment, and we remain committed to achieving that outcome.”
The Wedgetails are now preparing a submission to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) seeking to have the decision reviewed and overturned.
The club has commenced fundraising to secure the required legal support and representation to support this submission.
“Our players deserve certainty and clarity about their football future,” Korinfsky said. “We will continue to pursue all appropriate avenues to ensure KWFC and its members are afforded a fair and transparent process.”
The RDFNL declined to comment.
AFL Victoria has been contacted.
