St Kilda cuts ties with VFL affiliate Sandringham after 16 years

The VFL could have 23 teams in it next year with St Kilda and Sandringham officially cutting ties, with the Saints believing its own VFL team will aid the development of its young players.

St Kilda has cut ties with VFL affiliate Sandringham after a 16-year association to run a stand-alone VFL side it believes will help better develop its young improving squad.

The move will see St Kilda taking total control of its VFL side which will play more games at Moorabbin under coach Brendon Goddard next year.

The development will see the AFL having to navigate a VFL competition next year that will have at least 22 teams and as many as 23 if Tasmania enters the competition.

Sandringham plans to continue in the VFL but as its own entity.

The Herald Sun reported earlier this year that Sandringham and St Kilda would break apart given St Kilda’s desire to have full control of its program.

The alliance between Sandringham and St Kilda is over.

It already employs coach Brendon Goddard and his VFL assistant coaches, and will have to spend less than $100,000 more each season to have a stand-alone side.

Earlier this year St Kilda went to the Zebras asking for future Sandringham matches to be fixtured at Moorabbin, for the Zebras to wear the St Kilda jumper and for the team to be called Sandringham Saints.

The Sandringham board rejected what it saw as a takeover and the club is preparing to run without an alignment for the first time since 1999.

St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena said after months of discussions the alignment would finish but the St Kilda-Sandringham alignment would remain in the VFL Women’s competition.

“We’ve had a strong and productive working relationship with Sandringham Football Club since 2009, one that has delivered great benefits to both clubs over the years,” Dilena said.

“Our alignment has been an important part of both clubs’ commitment to the Bayside community, which we remain incredibly proud to be part of.

“The Saints are now entering a critical phase in our men’s list build and broader club growth. It is crucial we have full control and oversight of our men’s VFL program to ensure consistent player development strategies, alignment in game plan, and list management.

“We also want to continue investing in our people. Full ownership of our VFL team creates greater opportunities for staff development and internal progression.”

The Saints and Zebras had been aligned since 2009. Picture: Michael Klein

St Kilda would now be one of 15 AFL clubs with their own state-league team, while Hawthorn (Box Hill Hawks) and Melbourne (Casey Demons) retain alignments.

Sandringham VFL CEO Mark Wheeler said the club would survive under its own steam in 2026.

“We look forward to engaging with our local football communities, clubs and leagues to build a competitive Bayside playing list for 2026 and beyond,” he said.

“We are ready for the challenge that lies ahead but can’t lose focus on the remaining 2025 season for both our VFL and VFLW teams, which is business as usual regarding list selections, coaching and support from St Kilda.”

Originally published as St Kilda cuts ties with VFL affiliate Sandringham after 16 years