North Melbourne has finalised an agreement with the Werribee Football Club which will see the clubs enter a full alignment for the 2016 and 2017 VFL seasons.

The Kangaroos’ existing partial-alignment with Werribee and North Ballarat, which has been in place since 2008, will continue through next season but ends at the completion.

“Both clubs will benefit greatly from this new arrangement,” North Director of Football Geoff Walsh said.

“This strategic move will not only enhance both clubs’ football programs, but it will also help create a stronger platform for us to further engage with the community in the City of Wyndham and the Western Region through the Huddle and with our various schools programs and clinics.”

Werribee will retain its name, nickname, colours, theme song and home ground under the new partnership, while North will be more involved in team selection, match day, line coaching and training.

“Our association with Werribee during the partial alignment has been nothing short of positive and productive and we expect this level of spirit of cooperation to be further developed in the years to come.”

Former North development coach John Lamont will remain senior coach of the Tigers until at least the end of the 2017 season and says the new partnership is a move in the right direction.

“The relationship between the two clubs is very strong, very healthy and has produced good results.

“Werribee has developed players like Ben Brown and Luke McDonald that North has drafted, and we have seen North listed players like Mason Wood and Daniel Currie hone their skills playing for Werribee, all to the benefit of the North Melbourne Football Club.”

Werribee President John Nicol says the decision to fully align with North is significant.

“This is one of the biggest decisions in the fifty year history of our club and was the result of exhaustive talks between the two clubs and extensive research by our board and staff.

“In the end, the financial and football future of the club saw this as our best option for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.”

After helping North Ballarat win three VFL Premierships in 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Roos will end their joint venture with the club after the 2015 season.

Walsh paid homage to the professionalism and culture of the Roosters.

“North Ballarat is an exceptional football club steeped in tradition with a rich history full of success. We’re honoured to have been involved with everyone at the organisation and have the highest respect for all the hard working players, coaches and staff.

“We will continue to work together next year and hope to maintain the many friendships and working relationships that have been developed.”

North Melbourne’s highly popular schools’ football program will continue in Ballarat, culminating in the Drew Petrie Cup.