Saintsational Fan Forum - A passionate community of St Kilda Football Club fans discussing news, history, players, trade rumours, results, AFL stats and more.
While there has been noise throughout the year about its future, there is no denying the formerly named VFL Reserves plays an intricate role in a side’s success.
Take rivals Box Hill for example. Both their senior and development sides have made the last three grand finals in their respective leagues. While many will put that down to AFL-listed stars pushing down the good players, the cut throat nature of AFL football means VFL sides are chopping and changing weekly.
Opportunities will present VFL-listed players as the year goes on and the season takes a toll.
Sandringham has taken the route this year of blooding a number of development players into the VFL side. Not only to give them a taste, but to reward consistent and strong performances.
As Sandringham assistant coach Matt Embling details, a chance at senior level can fast track improvement and ready players should they be called upon.
“I think its an interesting experiment actually, just in the way that some of these kids have actually adapted to the higher standard.” Embling said.
“Some are actually better players in the higher standards because they can get to better places, the structures are a lot more disciplined – I actually think they play better footy.
Sandringham are "adamant" they will continue to field a development team next season, despite being set to sign a new deal with AFL affiliate St Kilda in the "coming weeks".
Zebras general manager John Mennie said, despite speculation, his team would not be swayed into dropping their development squad team, whereas some other clubs – including Coburg, Casey and Frankston – may look to do so.
