Kyneton Women’s will take the field this season after finding a new partner, league

After months of stress, breakaway women’s club Kyneton Women’s has found a new partner and a new league for 2025.

Gisborne-Kyneton players in a recent practice match.

After months of tension and stress Kyneton Women’s Football Club will take the field in 2025.

The breakaway women’s football club, formed in January when the playing group left Riddell District club Kyneton, will partner with nearby Gisborne Football Club.

The combined team will play in the Essendon District Football League.

The clubs confirmed the move on Monday night.

“We are excited to announce that the Gisborne Football Netball Club and Kyneton Women’s Football Club have partnered to form the Gisborne Kyneton United team for the 2025 season in the Essendon District Football League (EDFL),” the statement said.

“Both clubs are passionate about growing women’s football in the region, with a shared focus on building inclusive, supportive environments that nurture player development and growth.

“This one-season partnership will support the Kyneton Women’s Football Club’s playing group to remain together while allowing the Gisborne Football Netball Club to rebuild its Senior Women’s Football program.

“By combining the talent, experience, and professionalism of both clubs, we are confident in forming a highly competitive team under Gisborne FNC’s affiliation with the EDFL.”

After splitting with Kyneton, Kyneton Women’s was rejected by the Riddell District, Ballarat and Central Victoria competitions having missed the deadline for team entry.

Having played in the EDFL since 2021, Gisborne did not field a senior women’s side in 2024 due to a lack of numbers but still had under-18s and three junior teams.

The combined team will be co-coached by women’s football pioneer Bernie Marantelli and 2023 Kyneton premiership coach Phil Hawkes.

“The team will be led by Bernie Marantelli and Phil Hawkes, both of whom bring extensive premiership-winning experience,” the club statement read.

“With talented players from both clubs already signed, we look forward to announcing the full roster soon.

“We invite potential sponsors to connect with each club and encourage the community to show their support as we embark on a historic 2025 season, aiming to showcase the very best of women’s football.

“We would also like to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes work of both clubs and the EDFL for their strong commitment to growing and developing women’s football in the region.”

RDFNL: GENDER WARS TEARING COUNTRY TOWN APART

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MOVES: EVERY SIGNING OF THE EDFL OFF-SEASON

The EDFL will have three divisions of women’s football in 2025.

Aberfeldie, Essendon Doutta Stars, Greenvale, Hillside, Keilor, Maribyrnong Park, Moonee Valley and Oak Park will compete in Premier Division.

Burnside Heights, Coburg Districts, Keilor Park, Strathmore, Tullamarine and Westmeadows will compete in Division 1, while Gisborne-Kyneton will be joined by East Sunbury, Glenroy, Roxburgh Park, Sunbury, Sunbury Kangaroos and Taylors Lakes in Division 3.

The Riddell District women’s division will be a six-team competition featuring Macedon, Lancefield, Melton, Mt Alexander, Riddell and Romsey.