The Richmond and Coburg football clubs will revert to stand-alone teams in the VFL competition from 2014.

The two clubs had originally agreed to maintain their current alignment until the completion of the 2014 season.  However, both clubs, in consultation with AFL Victoria, have agreed to bring forward the terms of the agreement by one year. 

As a result, Richmond will field a stand-alone reserves side in the VFL from 2014.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said this was ultimately the best outcome for both clubs. 

“We have been very clear that one of our major football priorities was the establishment of a stand- alone reserves side, and this will become a reality in 2014,” Gale said today.

“The outstanding support of the Fighting Tiger Fund and other decisions we have taken to improve our financial position, has enabled the Club to make this important football decision. 

“We believe it will allow us to fast-track the development of our emerging talent, which is critical to the success of our football team into the future.

“Equally, we believe the decision to retain the alignment until the completion of the 2013, is an important show of support for the Coburg Football Club. 

“The alignment has had its share of challenges, and they will remain into the immediate future, but we did not believe it was right to walk away at the completion of this season.

“Coburg Football Club has a wonderful history in the VFA / VFL and we will work with the Club for the remainder of this season, and next, to help it establish a base within the community that will allow it to thrive into the future.”