A grassroots women's Australian Rules football club in Victoria has taken the extraordinary step of reporting a local league president to the AFL Integrity Unit over allegations he made derogatory comments linking the team's bid to change competitions to "grooming and gender weirdness".
Allegations of Harmful Language Spark Formal Complaint
The controversy centres on the Kyneton Women's Eagles and their attempt to join the Central Victorian Football League (CVFL). The move comes after the team broke away from their original club in February 2024 over claims of inequitable treatment and insufficient support.
The Eagles, a club that proudly fields gender-diverse, LGBTQIA+, and First Nations players, saw their application to the CVFL accepted unanimously. However, their current league, the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL), opposed the switch, and AFL Victoria upheld that decision, effectively blocking the move.
The situation escalated when alleged comments from RDFNL President Brenton Knott surfaced. In a social media exchange reported by News Corp, Knott is alleged to have told a Kyneton supporter: "How is that manageable by the AFL? If you look at the principals [sic] in this - it's not about footy, it's about grooming and gender weirdness." He also reportedly stated, "They don't deserve anything."
Club Condemns Remarks and Seeks Legal Advice
In a strong statement issued on Monday, the Kyneton Women's Football Club branded the alleged remarks as "harmful and offensive". The club stated it was "deeply disturbed" by the language used "in relation to gender diversity and inclusion in football" and unequivocally condemned the sentiments.
"Our players include women and gender-diverse people, First Nations people, LGBTIQA+ community members and allies, people with disabilities, parents and people who have experienced significant hardship," the club's statement read. "We are proud of our diverse and welcoming community."
The club confirmed it has submitted a formal complaint to the AFL Integrity Unit and is now seeking legal advice, arguing that "silence in the face of such conduct only enables further harm".
Widespread Support and Calls for Common Sense
The club's plight has attracted support from high-profile figures in sports media. 3AW radio host Mark Allen previously called the block on the league switch "madness".
Geelong AFL legend and fellow 3AW presenter Jimmy Bartel also weighed in, stating the situation simply "doesn't make sense to me". Kyneton president Natalie Korinfsky summarised the frustrating impasse by saying the RDFNL's position felt like, "we don't want you, but we don't want anyone else to have you, essentially".
The Daily Mail has contacted both Brenton Knott and the RDFNL for comment. The AFL Integrity Unit is now formally reviewing the complaint.
