Collingwood takes steps to build a formal alliance with TAC Cup Oakleigh Chargers

THE Collingwood empire could expand further as the Pies eye a formal alliance with elite junior TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers.

Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey came through the Oakleigh Chargers program. Picture: Michael Klein

THE Collingwood empire could expand further as the Pies eye a formal alliance with elite junior TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers.

The AFL is aware of talks between the Magpies and Oakleigh and has not ruled out ticking off on a formal partnership — but said any deal would not result in draft concessions for the club.

The Herald Sun understands talks have included the possibility of the Chargers playing out of Collingwood’s traditional home, Victoria Park.

Collingwood last Friday tabled with the league a bold pitch for a women’s team licence and late Tuesday confirmed the long-rumoured return of veteran football administrator Graeme “Gubby” Allan from GWS, to be the club’s general manager of next generation academies and teams.

Collingwood was handed the Oakleigh region by the AFL when the league launched its multicultural and indigenous academy program this year.

Collingwood told the Herald Sun its community boss David Emerson had held talks with the Chargers.

“How Collingwood can nourish football in the Oakleigh region will involve many discussions; with relevant councils, the AFL, football clubs in the Oakleigh region and other parties. Some of these are still to be had,” the club said in a statement.

“Collingwood is certainly open to the idea of assisting the Chargers as part of its commitment to the Oakleigh zone but the idea of a formal connection with the club is one of a number of possibilities still to be properly explored.”

An AFL spokesman told the Herald Sun: “We encourage AFL clubs to work closely with underage programs to help fast-track the development of players but this will not be tied to any outcomes around talent access”.

Darcy Moore celebrates a goal for Oakleigh in the TAC Cup Grand Final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The AFL’s new multicultural and indigenous academy system is aimed at encouraging into the game young athletes not currently playing football.

That program — funded by the AFL this year with seed money of about $30,000 a club — specifically does not give AFL clubs any rights over the players of TAC Cup sides in their zones.

AFL clubs currently have no official ties to TAC Cup clubs.

Heavy Collingwood involvement in the Oakleigh region is of clear benefit to potential junior talent in that area.

Industry insiders say Oakleigh could become a breeding ground for Collingwood coaches and staff.

While Collingwood could have no special access to top draft talent developed by the Chargers, intimate knowledge of junior players and how they have been coached could be a factor in drafting decisions.

It is understood the AFL has asked Collingwood to make a formal submission on its plans with the Chargers.

The Chargers revelation comes amid growing anger from Victorian clubs over the generous zone and academy concessions afforded expansion club GWS.

Collingwood was one of the first AFL clubs to launch a stand-alone VFL team, in 2009.

Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman said the Pies had been proactive since taking on the region in February and both parties were working on fostering a relationship.

He said the current emphasis was on how the two clubs could work together on the next generation academy.