ABC News | Kyneton Women's Football Club (KWFC) is considering legal action after AFL Victoria blocked its entry in a new league, leaving it "in limbo" and nowhere to play in 2026.

The Kyneton Women's Wedge-Tailed Eagles — which have said they champion diversity and inclusion — broke away from Kyneton Football Netball Club (KFNC) in 2024 following claims of disrespect and inequitable treatment. KFNC denies these claims and has maintained it has always been as inclusive as possible.

Kyneton was rejected by three competitions to play in 2025, including the Riddell District Football League (RDFNL), where it played as part of the Tigers in 2024.

 The Central Victorian Football League (CVFL) then accepted its application with unanimous approval for the 2026 season, but AFL Victoria stepped in after an appeal made by the RDFNL.

There were many factors considered by the appeal board, including long-term sustainability of the club, participation impact on established pathways at other existing clubs and uncertainty around adequate facilities.

Weeks later, the president of the RDNFL, Brenton Knott, is alleged to have made comments in a leaked message to a supporter that the situation was "not about footy, it's about grooming and gender weirdness".

The message has been reported to the AFL integrity unit by Kyneton, which has called for a review of it. It was alleged to be sent via social media in response to a post on a public forum which was discussing KWFC's application to join the CVFL.

"You need to look at the other side. They don't deserve anything — you're advocating that any team that's not happy breaks away," the alleged message from Knott, which has been seen by the ABC, read.

"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.

"You follow local footy so you need to see AFL Vic and RDFNL aren't the bad ones here."

In a response statement, KWFC said the club was deeply disturbed by the message, which was now public.

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