This footy president wants to stamp out inequality and misogyny in sport. She’s running for parliament

Now the president of the Wedge-Tailed Eagles – formerly known as the Kyneton Women’s Football Club – is running for Victorian parliament at a time when poor behaviour in sport is in the national spotlight.

Korinfsky led a high-profile battle for the Kyneton women’s right to play after they defected from their previous club following claims over inequitable treatment and disrespectful conditions.

She has announced her candidacy in the upcoming state election for the Animal Justice Party in the seat of Macedon, which is held for Labor by retiring health minister Mary-Anne Thomas.

Animal Justice MP and lead candidate for Northern Victoria Georgie Purcell announced Korinfsky’s candidacy after Sydney handed down season-ending suspensions to five players for breaching the AFL club’s behavioural standards, for being out late, drinking and bringing women back to the team hotel while in Melbourne for a match against Essendon.

Swans star Isaac Heeney is the focus of a separate investigation by Victoria Police’s sexual crimes squad. It involves an allegation of touching beyond what was agreed.

The suspended players – Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon – have issued a statement apologising for breaching the Swans’ standards. But according to a source with knowledge of their position they have denied criminal wrongdoing.

The embattled Swans are now facing a public reckoning around their culture and there is broader scrutiny around the treatment of women in the AFL.

Purcell, who has been a prominent voice on women’s rights and against sexism herself, said Korinfsky’s decision to stand for parliament could not be more important.

“For Natalie and her team of incredible women to not only stand up to the blokes at their club - but also the boys club that is the AFL - is nothing short of inspiring,” she said.

“These are exactly the type of people that we need to see elected to our halls of power.

“That is why Natalie running for parliament matters. We need people with lived experience of these environments at the table when laws are made to ensure that women’s safety isn’t just a buzz word.

“Women shouldn’t have to fight this hard just to be heard. But when they do, we need to make sure they are given a seat at the table.”

Korinfsky told this masthead she would draw on her experiences in combatting discrimination in grassroots sports, focusing on standing up for those whose voices are often overlooked.

Like many others, she added, she felt disheartened by the major parties for the upcoming election in November and wanted to bring more compassion to politics.