- Is now barred from competing in any sanctioned league or competition
An undefeated women’s football team is facing the collapse of its 2026 season after being blocked from competing in any affiliated league, sparking urgent calls for AFL intervention.
The Kyneton Women’s Football Club has just 30 days to secure a pathway back into competition after AFL Victoria upheld a closed-door appeal that prevents the club from playing in any sanctioned league next year.
The decision comes despite the club meeting all participation requirements and being unanimously accepted by the Central Victoria Football League.
KWFC was formed in late 2024 after more than 30 players walked away from the Kyneton Football Netball Club, citing years of mistreatment, unsafe conditions and a lack of respect.
Players have previously alleged they were left to use filthy change rooms after men’s matches, felt unwelcome within the club environment and were marginalised during key moments of their season.
The breakaway club has since built strong community support, secured volunteers and sponsors and, in 2025, joined forces with Gisborne Football Netball Club to compete as a hybrid side.
Kyneton Women’s Football Club faces a 2026 wipeout after AFL Victoria upheld a closed-door decision blocking competition nationwide
Players say years of mistreatment forced Kyneton Women’s Football Club’s exit before league politics shut them out entirely
Despite winning every match and premiership, Kyneton Women’s Football Club is now barred from sanctioned competitions across Victoria
The team went undefeated and won the premiership.
They were later recognised with the Award for Contribution to Sport in the Macedon Ranges.
Despite that success, the club’s attempt to compete independently in 2026 has been halted after AFL Victoria upheld an appeal from the Riddell District Football Netball League, which had previously rejected KWFC and told the club to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The appeal was decided behind closed doors, with KWFC not given a chance to respond.
Daily Mail has contacted the AFL and AFL Victoria for comment.
Players say the decision has left them stunned.
‘We were forced to leave our old club because it was unsafe and unsupportive,’ player Charlie Bracey said.
‘Now, after doing everything right, we’re being shut out – and the clock is ticking.’
Kyneton Women’s Football Club has 30 days to survive as calls grow for urgent AFL intervention from players
AFL Victoria’s appeal ruling left Kyneton Women’s Football Club sidelined despite unanimous acceptance elsewhere by another league competition
Another player, Rebecca Evans, said the impasse defies logic.
‘There is a league ready to take us and a team ready to play,’ she said.
‘The only thing stopping us is a single decision.’
The club has now launched a public petition calling on AFL Victoria to reverse the decision and urging the AFL to step in to ensure women and girls can play safely and fairly.
Without action, players face losing a second consecutive season, with concerns some may walk away from the sport altogether.
Supporters argue the case exposes deeper issues in community football governance and the power leagues hold over women’s pathways.
‘This isn’t just about one club,’ the group said in a statement.
‘It’s about who gets to play – and who gets to decide.’
