They have a name, a home league and a date: the community‑formed Wedge‑Tailed Eagles will join the Central Victorian Football League in 2026, with formal approval confirmed in writing on February 17, 2026. The decision ends a drawn‑out, 15‑month fight by more than 30 players, coaches and volunteers who left the Kyneton Football and Netball Club after disputes over unequal resourcing and access to facilities.
What happened
– In late 2024–2025 the group broke away from Kyneton’s women’s program — a squad that traces its roots to 2015 — citing unresolved concerns about parity and governance. After failed attempts to enact change inside the old club, they set up an independent, community‑led organisation and pursued entry into local competitions.
– Their path was bumpy: two applications to the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL) were refused, prompting appeals and negotiations. The group briefly merged with another body to field a side in the Essendon District Football League; that merged team went on to win a premiership in 2026.
– A revised application, renamed the Wedge‑Tailed Eagles and nominating Woodend Racecourse Reserve as a proposed home ground (subject to council approval), was eventually accepted. AFL Victoria waived the usual new‑club deadline so the submission could be reassessed on its merits.
Why the objections
RDFNL’s original concerns centred on use of the name “Kyneton,” potential overlap with existing local participation, unclear junior pathways and unconfirmed facilities. AFL Victoria initially upheld those objections, but meetings between AFL Victoria, the RDFNL and the club led to a compromise and the revised admission being approved on February 17, 2026.
What this means now
– The CVFL admission secures a competition pathway for the group and preserves the playing cohort and coaching core that left Kyneton. League administrators will finalise competition placement and scheduling once council approval for Woodend Racecourse Reserve and other governance conditions are satisfied.
– Club leaders say they will prioritise on‑field preparation, community engagement and an inclusive, player‑centred culture that welcomes women, girls and gender‑diverse participants.
– Not every response was positive. Online comments by an RDFNL senior official, identified as Andrew Power, prompted an internal review; Power resigned on February 17, 2026 and the league apologised for any distress caused.
Broader context
AFL Victoria cited demonstrable community need, sustainable facilities planning and clear player‑development pathways when it endorsed the revised application. Leagues involved signalled a wish to cooperate going forward, framing the admission as part of community football’s growth and inclusion efforts.
Next steps
With written approval in hand, the Wedge‑Tailed Eagles will begin season preparations. Formal fixtures, training venues and administrative clearances hinge on the outstanding council decision for Woodend Racecourse Reserve and final governance checks by league administrators.