The contracts have been signed and the full alignment between Werribee Tigers and North Melbourne is official.
The two proud clubs have enjoyed a successful partial alignment in recent seasons and will ramp up the relationship to a full-time bonding for at least the next two seasons and possibly beyond.
The Kangaroos ended their other partial alignment with North Ballarat at the weekend because they see great benefits in having a single alignment with Werribee.
“It makes sense for us to have all our players under the one roof and we’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with Werribee,” Kangaroos chief executive Carl Dilena said.
“With former North development coach John Lamont at the helm and the likes of Mark Penaluna leading the way, we see some great opportunities for North Melbourne and Werribee in the short and long-term.”
Werribee’s VFL traditions will be maintained. It will keep the Tigers’ logo and playing strip, retain the theme song and play home games at Avalon Airport Oval.
North Melbourne will have greater input to the on-field operations, along with its full list of players calling Watton Street their second home, as opposed to splintering into two different VFL clubs as in seasons past.
Werribee chief executive Mark Penaluna said the deal would underpin the Tigers’ VFL future.
“This is a big step for our club,” he said.
“We have a real football connection with the Kangaroos and will continue to give our players an opportunity to play at the highest level.”
North Melbourne will enhance its connection with the Wyndham community through its Huddle program, which has been working with young people since 2010.
The AFL club is also helping with Werribee’s plans to build a new community multi-purpose facility.
“The City of Wyndham boasts a large multicultural community and a newly expanded community facility at Werribee would allow us to enhance our presence in the area,” Dilena said.
