North Melbourne and Werribee will field stand-alone sides in the 2018 VFL season after mutually concluding a successful ten-season agreement.
It will be the first time since 1999 North has had its own reserves team, having had previous alignments with the Ovens and Murray Football League, Port Melbourne, North Ballarat and Tasmania.
The move will allow the club to further invest in player development according to GM Football Cameron Joyce.
“This is a significant step for us as a footy club and in line with our strategic aims and objectives heading into an exciting new era,” he said.
“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 coach John Lamont - who has experienced the alignment from both sides having coached at North - said the partnership has been a success.
“The professionalism and co-operation has been exceptional,” Lamont said.
“We are both tremendously grateful to have been in a partnership between two great clubs for nearly a decade.”
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,” North CEO Carl Dilena said.
“We will be looking at ways to continue our work together in the Wyndham region to help develop talent, both boys and girls, and grow the game.
“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 echoed Dilena’s sentiments.
“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," he said.
“We are all committed to ensuring this season is a successful one for North Melbourne and Werribee.”
“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 football ability on the big stage in a club environment second to none," Lamont added.
North Melbourne affiliations
2000–2002 – Murray Kangaroos Football Club
2003–2005 – Port Melbourne Football Club
2006–2007 – North Ballarat Football Club and Tasmanian Devils Football Club
2008–2015 – North Ballarat Football Club and Werribee Football Club
2016–2017 - Werribee Football Club
