St Kilda Saints end 16-year affiliation with Sandringham Zebras, will field standalone VFL team, club statement

St Kilda will field a standalone VFL team beginning in 2026, concluding a 16-year alignment with Sandringham.

The move will see the Saints join 15 other AFL clubs using the model, as just Melbourne (Casey) and Hawthorn (Box Hill) remain with a VFL affiliate.

Sandringham prepares to join Southport, the Northern Bullants, Williamstown, Werribee, Frankston and Coburg in having no AFL alignment.

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In a club statement, the Saints said: “The decision follows months of consultation, during which numerous options for continued collaboration were explored. As part of these discussions, St Kilda and Sandringham agreed to continue their alignment in the VFL Women’s competition.”

St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena said: “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.

“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 gameplan, 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.”

Sandringham, correspondingly, confirmed it would field its own standalone side starting 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,” Sandringham Football Club CEO Mark Wheeler said in a statement.

“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.”

The Zebras currently sit in 20th position on the VFL ladder with just one win from 12 games this season, with the league set to move to at least 22 teams next year.