There’s a new force on the footy field in the Macedon Ranges, and they’re bringing a whole lot more than just football with them.
As featured in the Midland Express (16 March 2026), the MRM Wombats Masters Football Club is gearing up for their season opener against Bendigo on Saturday 28 March — and the story behind this club is just as compelling as the footy itself.
The Wombats came about when the Woodend Masters and Kyneton Masters officially merged at their annual meeting last year, bringing two strong, community-minded groups together under one banner. The result is a club that strengthens social connection, participation and wellbeing right across the Macedon Ranges.
With around 40 members on their list and players aged from 35 upwards, the club will field one team this season across 10 fortnightly rounds. While the majority of members are from the Kyneton-Woodend area, all are welcome from across the region. President Julian Summers (Woodend) leads the committee alongside vice-president Joshua Cross (Kyneton), secretary Andrew Taylor and communications officer Andrew Dodds.
More Than a Football Club
A major focus of the Wombats is men’s mental health. As President Summers explained, masters football naturally creates space for connection, physical activity, mateship and routine — all protective factors that men in that age bracket benefit from. The club is striving to be a place where everyone feels supported, welcomed and valued, both on and off the field.
Partners with the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network
One initiative the club is particularly proud of is its growing partnership with the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network. As “Wombats”, the club sees itself as part of the local ecosystem — contributing to community wellbeing not only through sport, but also through environmental awareness and stewardship. It’s a natural fit: a club named after one of our most beloved and vulnerable native animals, working alongside the people who care for them every day.
“It’s the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term connection that benefits people, wildlife and place,” Summers said.
For MRWN, this kind of community partnership is exactly what builds the culture of care that wildlife in the Macedon Ranges needs. Having a club of 40-plus active community members who are proud to call themselves Wombats — and who back that up with real support for wildlife protection — is something we’re genuinely excited about.
Finding Their Burrow
Like many community clubs, the Wombats have had to be adaptable with facilities. With competing pressures around ground allocation in the Macedon Ranges, the Tylden Recreation Reserve has become the club’s unofficial home during the pre-season. As the season progresses, the club looks forward to returning to both the Kyneton Showgrounds and Gilbert Gordon Reserve, maintaining its roots in both towns.
The welcome mat is out — if you’re 35 or over and keen to get involved, the Wombats would love to hear from you.
Good luck for the season opener against Bendigo on March 28, Wombats — we’ll be cheering you on!
Article Source:https://midlandexpress.com.au/sports/2026/03/16/wombats-masters-football-club-prepares-for-tough-match-against-bendigo/
