Jacinta Allan backs Kyneton footballers to find new league amid appeal controversy

An embattled women's football club left without a league after repeated rejections has found a new supporter in the Victorian premier.

The Kyneton Wedge-Tailed Eagles, which split from the Kyneton Tigers ahead of the 2025 season, has been repeatedly blocked from joining a new league in Central Victoria.

The newly formed standalone side had been set to join the women-only Central Victorian Football League this year, with existing clubs unanimously approving their request.

However, an appeal from the nearby Riddell District League — concerned that the move could disrupt its competition by diluting the player pool — blocked the transfer.

AFL Victoria upheld the league's appeal and rejected the Wedge-Tailed Eagles' move.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she hoped the rejection faced by the side did not deter young footballers from chasing their dreams.

"The women just want to play footy," Ms Allan said.

"Women should be able to choose their sport, participate equally, and I hope that they see that the support they're getting from across the community speaks to the fact that the community is backing them."

The Wedge-Tailed Eagles have been rejected from joining two leagues ahead of the 2026 season and will have no league to play in when Round 1 starts later this year.

'Ridiculous that it's this hard'

Kyneton Wedge-Tailed Eagles footballer Charlie Bracey said it was a frustratingly simple problem.

"This is the team I want to play with, these are the people I want to play with, it's the game I want to play," she said.

The Kyneton women have proven themselves on the field.

Last year, they won the premiership as a merged side in a suburban Melbourne league, and in 2024 they narrowly missed out on the flag in a different league by a single point.

Club president Natalie Korinfsky said the process had been incredibly frustrating over the past 15 months.

Message spreads far and wide

The newly-formed club has gone to great lengths to be heard, including by holding a fake training session outside AFL House in Melbourne, and gaining the backing of influential US social media pundit Coach Jackie.

AFLW expert and former football administrator, Chyloe Kurdas, said AFL Victoria needed to reconsider its decision.

"For me, it's about rethinking how we do football, how we do community sport, to make sure that everyone's needs are catered for."

AFL gives ground for 'discussions'

AFL Victoria declined an interview but told the ABC in a statement its decision was in line "with existing rules and processes".

In documents seen by the ABC, the AFL cited several reasons for upholding the appeal, including that there was a "lack of demonstrated need", concerns about junior pathways and a lack of facilities.

The club rejected concerns about facilities, saying the local council had allocated it a ground to play.

The AFL Victoria spokesperson left the door open for the Wedge-Tailed Eagles to play in 2026.

"These players are clearly passionate about playing football and there are a number of options available to them to participate this season," the spokesperson said.

"We are continuing to work with the team on options for the future."

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