Two transgender netballers have been banned for the remainder of the 2025 season by the Riddell District Football Netball League (RDFNL), following complaints from a rival club that had previously attempted to recruit one of the players.
The ban stems from escalating tensions between Melton Central and Melton South netball clubs. Melton South, a recent addition to the league, refused to take the court against Melton Central’s B-grade side if transgender athletes were allowed to participate, citing “safety concerns”.
Despite having competed up to round seven of the season, both trans players were barred following a league investigation, triggering backlash and raising broader questions about trans inclusion in community sport.
Trans Player Speaks Out: “Your Head Coach Tried to Recruit Me”
Manawa Araunui, a key player at the centre of the controversy, took to social media to denounce Melton South’s conduct. She revealed that the same club now lobbying against her participation had earlier sought to sign her.
“I’ve sat quietly long enough while this narrative brewed,” Araunui wrote. “Melton South Football Netball Club and your Netball Coordinator/players: you’re entitled to your opinions, but let’s clear some things up. YOUR HEAD COACH TRIED TO RECRUIT ME.”
Araunui questioned whether the controversy would exist had she accepted their offer. “Would this still be a conversation if I’d played for you? Or is it only a problem now because we’re on opposing teams?”
She also addressed a widely shared video purportedly showing dangerous conduct during a match. “If I had done what you claim, wouldn’t I have been warned, penalised, or reprimanded?” she asked, noting she hadn’t received a single caution throughout her league career.
“You’re entitled to believe it’s ‘unfair’ for cis women to compete against transgender women. That’s your opinion. But the lies? They need to stop.”
‘You’re Not Protecting Women’s Sport — You’re Masking Bigotry’
Araunui condemned the abuse and harassment she has received both online and at games, accusing rivals of weaponising safety narratives to justify discrimination.
“You’ve enabled me to become the sole focus of online abuse and sideline harassment from other clubs and their supporters,” she wrote. “I won’t be silenced… This is for my trans and non-binary friends, and especially for the queer kids of the future.”
League Cites Legal Grounds for Ban
In a letter to clubs, RDFNL confirmed the ban under Section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act, which allows exclusion based on “gender identity or intersex status” where “strength, stamina or physique” are relevant.
The board claimed that the two trans athletes displayed superior stamina and physique relative to their competitors. They added the decision aimed to create a “safe and inclusive environment” and could be revisited in future.
Melton Central’s Araunui was recently named best on court in a Division 1 grand final performance.
National Organisations Push Back on Exclusion
Netball Victoria responded by reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity. “We continue to support and welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community, including gender diverse players,” the organisation said in a statement to Qnews.
Proud 2 Play, an Australian advocacy organisation, criticised the RDFNL’s move. “Community sport exists for connection, belonging, and wellbeing,” they stated. “The exclusion of trans and gender diverse people denies them these benefits.”
They also warned the decision sets “a deeply concerning precedent”, highlighting that the 2019 national guidelines emphasise evidence-based decision-making, not perception or assumption.
“Trans people belong in sport,” Proud 2 Play stated, offering to collaborate with local leagues to improve inclusive practices.
