New Women's AFL Club Confronts Barriers in Pursuit of Gender Equity

In central Victoria, a new women's AFL club has emerged after around 30 footballers departed from the Kyneton Football Netball Club at the close of the 2024 season. The breakaway group formed the Kyneton Women's Eagles Football Club with the goal of creating an accessible and safe space for female athletes, placing a strong emphasis on gender equity.

Despite its promising start and plans to engage in pre-season training, the fledgling club has encountered significant hurdles in securing a league. Both the Ballarat Football Netball League and AFL Central Victoria declined the Eagles' entry, citing their failure to meet a December deadline. Nevertheless, the Ballarat league expressed openness to future discussions, and the Riddell District Football Netball League is currently considering the club's potential inclusion, having explored various models to accommodate the Eagles.

Meanwhile, the women's players have continued their training at Woodend Racecourse Reserve, determined to overcome the obstacles in front of them. The club’s president, Natalie Korinfsky, highlighted the broader issue of gender equity in sport, noting that similar frustrations are driving other Victorian teams to contemplate forming their own clubs. As the local sporting community debates fair access for female players, AFL Victoria has stepped in to help resolve the situation, promising to work with all involved parties to ensure opportunities for the players in the next season.