Sandringham Football Club VFL to go standalone from 2026

30/06/2025

Sandringham Football Club will field a standalone men’s team in the Victorian Football League from 2026, bringing our alignment with St Kilda Football Club men’s team to a close.

The decision follows months of consultation, during which numerous options for continued collaboration were explored. As part of these discussions, we have agreed to continue our alignment with St Kilda in the VFL Women’s competition.

“Our alignment with St Kilda over the past 16 years has been important for both clubs and we thank St Kilda President Andrew Bassat, St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena and everyone we have worked with over this time. We have had a strong working relationship that has brought some fantastic people through our doors, and we look forward to continuing this with our women’s program,” said Sandringham FC President, Nick Johnstone.

“After being in an alignment for 25 years (first with Melbourne, then St Kilda) we’re excited about being standalone and having full control over our football program, playing more games at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, our home of football, and continuing to engage with our local Bayside community.

“Every time our players put on their jumper, they’ll be wearing the famous yellow, black and blue representing the three local sides that combined to make up the club - the Sandringham Amateurs, Black Rock and Hampton Amateurs. This is a big step for our club as we approach our 100 years and reflect on the history of the Sandringham Zebras.

“The hard work to stand alone starts immediately. We are going to lean on all our football loving Bayside community to get involved with the Zebras. We are going to be a club that is always inclusive and revered and respected in the community.”

St Kilda Football Club will field their own standalone team in the Victorian Football League from 2026.

“We sincerely thank Sandringham President Nick Johnstone, CEO Mark Wheeler, his predecessor Marcus Ashcroft, and everyone who has contributed to a strong relationship over the past 16 years. We look forward to continuing our work with Sandringham through the VFLW and a range of community programs,” St Kilda Chief Executive Officer Carl Dilena said.

Mark Wheeler, the CEO of Sandringham Football Club, stated, "The upcoming six months will serve as a rallying cry to all our former and current players, supporters, and sponsors as we re-establish ourselves as an independent club. We have numerous initiatives planned over the coming months.

"We are eager to connect with our local football communities, clubs, and leagues to develop a competitive Bayside playing list for 2026 and the future.

“We are prepared for the challenges that await us, but we must remain focused on the ongoing 2025 season for both our VFL and VFLW teams, which will continue as usual.”