The VFL-AFL alignment between Werribee Tigers and North Melbourne will cease at the end of the 2017 season.
The Kangaroos and Tigers have decided to field stand alone VFL sides from next season after a mutual agreement was met.
The sides were partners for 10 seasons, eight in a partial alignment and the past two in a full alignment.
It will be the first time since 1999 that both clubs have not been part of an alignment.
Werribee partnered with the Western Bulldogs prior to linking up with North Melbourne in 2008.
The Kangaroos had a string of partnerships with Murray Kangaroos, Port Melbourne, North Ballarat and Tasmanian Devils.
The split could not have been timed better for both parties.
Werribee will go stand alone in its first season back at a redeveloped Avalon Airport Oval.
North Melbourne will follow the trend of AFL clubs fielding stand alone teams as it rebuilds with a young and exciting playing list.
Werribee coach John Lamont believes the split will turn the Tigers into a destination club for players looking to make the next step to the AFL.
“What a wonderful opportunity for a player to come to our club in 2018,” Lamont said. “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.”
The clubs will no longer be aligned on the field, but are determined to keep their partnership going off it.
North Melbourne chief executive Carl Dilena said the clubs have strong ties that will remain.
“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,” Dilena said.
Werribee president Martin Carter is looking forward to maintaining off-field ties with North Melbourne.
“We have built a solid foundation between the two clubs to enhance and grow our ongoing community based programs,” Carter said.
“The City of Wyndham can look forward to this continuing. Our aim remains the same – to ensure the Werribee Tigers have a sustainable and successful future on and off the field.”
