Tigers go it aloneBy Ben Guthrie
3:57 PM Sat 21 Jul, 2012RICHMOND will part ways with VFL affiliate Coburg at the end of the 2013 season and field a standalone team in the competition in 2014.
The clubs had originally agreed to continue the relationship until the end of 2014, but in consultation with AFL Victoria they decided to bring forward the terms of agreement by one year.
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said in a statement released by the Tigers, the decision to part was ultimately best 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.
“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."
Collingwood and Geelong are the only current clubs that field standalone VFL teams, although there is a considerable push from other teams to set their own up.
Gale said, however, that it was extremely important for Richmond to continue to support Coburg and honour its commitment throughout the 2013 season.
"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," Gale said.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/142217/default.aspx