The partnership will become effective at the end of the 2008 season and is for a five year period.
The change is a result of extensive discussions with all parties and the result will secure a long-term future between St Kilda and Sandringham.
The Saints and the Zebras began discussions as a result of the Melbourne Football Club’s intention to move to the city of Casey and enter into an alignment with the Casey Scorpions. Both Melbourne and Casey have been advised and updated on the continued discussions.
Saints CEO Archie Fraser said, “As discussions progressed it became evident outside of the obvious geographical fit of both clubs that there was much that could be achieved from a football and strategic development for our Clubs and
members.”
“We’ve had a long a successful partnership with Casey and we thank them for this. We’ll see the year out together and then part ways – it will be a pleasant and mutually understanding break-up.”
“While this was a difficult decision for both clubs to depart their respective alignments the case became compelling in the last week. St Kilda is honored to be aligned with a strong VFL Club such as Sandringham who has won seven premierships in the last 16 years,” said Fraser.
With Sandringham's culture of success and St Kilda's strong depth and increased young players on its list in recent years with draftees, rookies and scholarship players, it will be a great partnership of winning and development for the benefit of both clubs.
John Mennie, Sandringham Zebras CEO said “We’re very excited for the future of the Sandringham Football Club after entering into a five year alignment with the St Kilda Football Club. St Kilda is a progressive, innovative and respected club in the AFL. We share similar values of success, passion, determination, responsibility and community awareness.
I’m looking forward to growing our football club alongside the Saints as the flow-on benefits will be significant to both Clubs and the Bayside community.”
