Wedge-Tailed Eagles Secure League Spot After Tumultuous Governance Dispute
In a dramatic resolution to one of community sport's most explosive governance battles, an undefeated women's football team has finally secured a league home for the 2026 season. The breakthrough coincides with the resignation of a senior official amidst social media controversy that reportedly reached the AFL integrity unit.
From Uncertainty to Acceptance
The club formerly known as Kyneton Women's Football Club, now rebranded as the Wedge-Tailed Eagles, will compete in the Central Victoria Football League after months of uncertainty that left players fearing their entire season would collapse. Just weeks earlier, the team faced being barred from all sanctioned competition after AFL Victoria upheld a closed-door appeal that blocked their entry, despite unanimous acceptance from another regional women's league.
'We were forced to leave our old club because it was unsafe and unsupportive,' player Charlie Bracey revealed. 'Now, after doing everything right, we're being shut out – and the clock is ticking.'
Allegations of Inequitable Treatment
The Eagles had previously walked away from their former club citing years of alleged inequitable treatment. Players described filthy changerooms, lack of support, and marginalisation during key moments of their season. Despite these challenges, the team went undefeated in 2025 and claimed a premiership during a hybrid partnership season.
President Natalie Korinfsky emphasized their fundamental goals: 'All we want to do is play football and be treated with respect, and if you don't have those fundamentals, it's impossible to stay in those environments.'
Appeal Process Creates Impasse
Despite their on-field success, the team's independent pathway was halted after a successful appeal from the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL). Another player, Rebecca Evans, expressed frustration at the situation: 'There is a league ready to take us and a team ready to play. The only thing stopping us is a single decision.'
Dramatic Turnaround and Official Resignation
This week brought a dramatic twist when AFL Victoria confirmed the club, under its new name, had been accepted into the Central Victoria Football League after key conditions were addressed. The breakthrough came as RDFNL vice-president Andrew Power resigned following social media comments understood to have been reported to the AFL integrity unit.
In a statement, the league declared: 'The RDFNL does not condone or support the behaviour reflected in those comments and apologises for any distress caused to members of our community. The RDFNL remains firmly committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all men and women who participate in football and netball.'
Broader Governance Questions Raised
The saga has sparked fierce debate about governance, appeals processes, and who ultimately controls women's football pathways at community level. Community advocate John White claimed the case exposed broader flaws, warning that leagues across Victoria would now scrutinise how rules are applied.
'Is it now a case of engagement with lawyers, media and state politicians to overturn AFL Victoria?' he questioned. 'As it stands, AFL Vic have lost face and can kiss goodbye their rules.'
The resolution marks a significant victory for the Wedge-Tailed Eagles, whose players can now focus on preparing for their 2026 campaign rather than battling administrative obstacles. The episode has highlighted ongoing challenges in women's community sport governance while demonstrating the determination of athletes to secure fair treatment and competitive opportunities.
