AFL Victoria has been informed that Werribee and North Melbourne both intend to field standalone sides in the 2018 Peter Jackson VFL season, after mutually concluding a successful ten season agreement.
AFL Victoria will work with both clubs throughout the year to help them with the transition to standalone status for next season.
CEO Steven Reaper said there will be positives for both clubs with the change of alignment.
“The VFL will continue to foster a number of different team models that suit the various clubs involved, from standalone VFL and AFL clubs to strong AFL/VFL club alignments,” Reaper said.
“With the decision made early this season, both clubs now have time to prepare from an on and off field perspective for the upcoming 2018 season, and going standalone.
“Werribee will be able to offer 23 VFL listed senior positions each week in its side, and North Melbourne will list a number of top-up players, providing a host of up-and-coming talent in Victoria an opportunity to play VFL football.
“In this case, North Melbourne see it as the best model for the development of its players and to meet its strategic objectives.
“The VFL competition will continue to provide for the needs of various alignments and team models.”
2018 will be the first time since 1999 that both teams have not had an AFL/VFL partner - the Kangaroos having competed previously in conjunction with the Ovens and Murray Football League (Murray Kangaroos), Port Melbourne, North Ballarat and Tasmania (Devils). The VFL Tigers were affiliated with the Western Bulldogs prior to joining with North Melbourne in 2008.
Both clubs have stated the biggest impact will be in player development.
"This is a significant step for us as and is in line with our broader strategic aims and objectives, as we continue to head into an exciting new era," said North Melbourne’s General Manager of Football Cameron Joyce.
"There is a lot of work to be done in order to prepare for next season, but first and foremost, we are focused on ensuring that our current alignment with Werribee ends on the highest possible note.”
Werribee senior coach John Lamont - who has experienced the alignment from both sides’ perspective - is excited by the future direction for his playing group.
“What a wonderful opportunity for a player to come to our club in 2018. We have a new multi-million dollar facility and the chance to showcase your football ability on the big stage in a club environment second to none.”
Both agreed the relationship has worked for both clubs.
“The professionalism and cooperation has been exceptional. We are both tremendously grateful to have been in a partnership between two great clubs for nearly a decade,” Lamont said.
North began its partnership with Werribee in 2008 and although the on-field relationship will come to an end, the clubs will continue to work closely off the field.
"We have extremely strong ties with Werribee and I am pleased to say that this will still be the case going forward," said North CEO Carl Dilena.
"We will be looking at ways to continue our work together in the Wyndham region to help develop talent pathways for boys and girls, find new ways to grow the game and help develop key staff.
"While we will go our separate ways on the field, the same can't be said off the field and we will use our existing goodwill to further build and enhance our relationship in an effort to achieve some positive outcomes for the Wyndham community."
Werribee President Martin Carter endorsed Carl’s thoughts.
“We have built a solid foundation between the two clubs to enhance and grow our ongoing community based programs. The City of Wyndham can look forward to this continuing. More and more, we see our future players and supporters coming from our vibrant multicultural city. Our aim remains the same - to ensure the Werribee Tigers have a sustainable and successful future on and off the field.”
While planning will begin immediately for 2018 for both clubs, but clubs remain focused on the current season.
"We are all committed to ensuring this season is a successful one for North Melbourne and Werribee," said Carter.
Last Modified on 24/04/2017 18:10
