Dogs to field VFL side in 2014

[Ricochet]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/westernbulldogsnewsfeatures/newsarticle/tabid/4112/newsid/148166/default.aspx

The Western Bulldogs today announced that they will field a stand-alone VFL team, from 2014.

The Bulldogs and Williamstown Football Club have agreed, in consultation with AFL Victoria, to bring forward the terms of the current alignment agreement between the two clubs by one year. This means the agreement will end at the end of 2013 rather than 2014.

Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick said that the new agreement was the best outcome for both clubs.

[Fletch74]

This is becoming more and more common...

I wonder how many teams will be in the VFL soon....

Essendon, Geelong, Collingwood, and now the Bulldogs.

[Ricochet]

and Freo and Eagles are pushing really hard for their own over here in the WAFL

[Ringo]

Suns, Lions, Swans and GWS all have reserve teams playing in the NEAFL.

[Spinking]

Great to see the Doggies do it. Seemed to be an initiative that only the richer clubs could afford, that has a real benefit to clubs trialling new structures and game plans etc. hopefully will give the Dogs the same advantage it games the Pies and Cats.

Personally I'd like to see a return of the reserves comp. I'm concerned about what happens when every AFL club goes down this path - 30 team VFL comp?

[Fletch74]

The other thing to note is that the VFL comp has been re-invigorated due to the alliances from AFL clubs. You lose that, I fear the comp will go back to being to what it was...

[Cicjose]

your making out that reserve sides would have serious advantages over the other clubs?

[Capper]

Suns, Lions, Swans and GWS all have reserve teams playing in the NEAFL.

The only problem is that like the swasn and lions this year is that players will play half a game to remain fresh if called upon for the 1s

[Spinking]

your making out that reserve sides would have serious advantages over the other clubs?

Obviously there are a number of contributing factors but I believe that teams who have reserves teams controlled by the main club have a distinct advantage in that they can trial game plans, experiment with players playing in different positions, and get specific game time into players, at their discretion rather than that of the affiliate club.

I suppose it depends a bit on exactly what the relationship between the clubs are.