The Collingwood Football Club in partnership with the Williamstown Football Club would like to announce after seven years in formal alignment they have mutually agreed to terminate their current partnership at the conclusion of the 2007 football season.

In what is widely regarded as one of the most successful AFL/VFL alignments, the decision to terminate was a mutual and amicable outcome after a series of discussions based on the long term plans of both clubs.

The Collingwood Football Club is very excited to be establishing a standalone VFL team which will further enhance its current player development program and Williamstown Football Club aim to pursue another AFL partner immediately to establish a new long term alignment.

Williamstown President Trevor Monti said “the alignment over the past seven years, between two of the very traditional Victorian clubs, has been extremely successful and the relationship between the two clubs has always been of a close harmonious and co operative nature. We are proud of the role that we have played in the successful development of many of the young Collingwood Football Club players. We totally understand and support the decision by Collingwood Football Club to field its own VFL side to ensure it maximizes its development of its young players.”

Collingwood Football Club President Eddie McGuire said “the alignment between Collingwood and Williamstown has proved a successful partnership for both clubs. During that time Williamstown have won a premiership and remain a strong force in the VFL. Collingwood through its partnership has developed arguably the best list of young exciting talent in the AFL who have all come through the Williamstown Football Club.

“After an extensive review of our football program we have decided to establish a standalone VFL team that allows us total control of player development.  I would like to personally thank Trevor Monti, Brendan Curry and the Williamstown players for their professionalism and support of the spirit of the alignment and I wish them all the best for the future.”