WILLIAMSTOWN and Collingwood are set to continue their Victorian Football League alliance, despite some talk of a separation.
The Magpies have recently considered standing alone, but have put the idea on the backburner as a result of the success the club is enjoying with the Seagulls. Collingwood chief executive officer Gary Pert believes the partnership between the Magpies and Williamstown is as strong as any other pairing in the AFL/VFL competitions.
“There has been a lot of talk and speculation, so I called the guys in to tell them from the club’s perspective we couldn’t be happier with the alignment,” Pert said.
“I think our alignment with Williamstown is as good or if not better than the alignment of any other club.”
The Seagulls are finals-bound again this year and have enjoyed a strong partnership with Collingwood since the two joined forces in 2001.
The decision to cease the AFL reserves competition saw the Magpies team up with Williamstown, and within two years the Seagulls had tasted the ultimate success for the 15th time.
They romped in the 2003 VFL premiership with 15 Collingwood-listed players taking to the field at Optus Oval on grand final day to beat Box Hill.
With a full strength squad Williamstown can be considered a chance to add to their premiership tally this season, but must arrest a dangerous slide in form.
They have lost their past four matches but remain in the VFL top four.
With several injured Collingwood players set to return through the Seagulls, a strong finish to the year beckons.
Williamstown pushed ladder leader and reigning premier Sandringham to six points recently with an undermanned side.
Collingwood stars James Clement, Rhys Shaw and Sean Rusling are expected to return from lengthy stints on the sidelines shortly.
