Riddell District Football League unveil new women’s competition

A major shake-up of local women’s footy is set to occur in 2023 with three clubs on the move to a different competition. Here’s what’s happened.

The Riddell District Football League (RDFL) is set to enter a new era.

On Thursday night, the league announced Melton, Mount Alexander and Kyneton were set to join the competition to establish a new senior women’s competition in 2023.

Previously, there has been no RDFL pathway into senior footy for junior girls.

“It has long been a plan for the league to offer a senior women’s (competition) and while (sic) we initially thought that 2024 was a more realistic option, we couldn’t be happier to launch in 2023,” RDFL chief executive Jordan Doyle said.

“We would like to thank Kyneton, Melton and Mount Alexander for making the transition across to the RDFL and we look forward to those three clubs joining some RDFL senior clubs in the competition for 2023.”

Melton’s women’s team join after playing in the Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) last year.

The team finished at the bottom of the ladder and won one game.

Kyneton and Mount Alexander join from the Central Victoria Football League.

But for Mount Alexander this will be the first time the team plays for points — since forming in 2021, the club have only played practice matches.

“We are thrilled to have been invited to join the RDFL‘s new women’s competition,” Mount Alexander president Alana Wearne said.

“We listened to our members and ultimately felt that there is solid alignment with the league and our club values in creating a safe, inclusive, friendly and competitive environment for women and gender diverse people.

“Our club looks forward to growing and developing alongside the league.”

RDFL told Leader it hopes six teams will enter the competition next year with Romsey already a confirmed participant.

The competition is hopeful Woodend-Hesket and Macedon will join them next year.

The goal is to have every RDFL club field a women’s team in future.

Melton is joining the RDFL.

“This is a landmark event in RDFL history and we are thrilled to offer all females in our community the same opportunity as the males for their football pathway,” Doyle said.

BFNL general manager Shane Anwyl said Melton had the competition’s blessing to move leagues.

“The league supported Melton women’s move to Riddell,” he revealed.

“We can see the benefits for that club and are fully supportive of women’s football as a whole.

“This will be the best fit for them as a club. The advantage it gives to us is to focus on a more Ballarat based competition.

“We’ve got a couple of clubs working towards having an open women’s team.”

Anwyl revealed two clubs out of East Point, North Ballarat and Ballarat were looking at fielding a women’s team next year but wouldn’t specify which ones.

He added this doesn’t impact Melton’s other teams in the competition.

“Melton are a valued component on the BFNL competition, ongoing they are one of our integral parts of the competition,” he said.

“I’m comfortable where the Bloods sit.

“There is constant dialogue with them and I think we’re a very strong and even competition for them to compete in.”

The Central Victoria Football League was contacted for comment.