AFL partner North Melbourne confirmed it would drop the Roosters in favour of a full-alignment with Werribee after next season, in a two-year deal with the Tigers.

North Ballarat chief Mark Patterson said the Roosters had been in discussions with North Melbourne for some time about the Kangaroos’ long-term VFL plans and the Kangaroos had maintained clear intentions - this would be their next step in moving to its own VFL arm, if and when the club was ready.

The Roosters have accordingly been putting their own plans in motion.

Patterson quashed rumours that North Melbourne’s decision to drop the Roosters in favour of a full-alignment with rival Werribee was a reaction to the City of Ballarat’s new partnership with the Western Bulldogs, a move that stunned the Roos earlier this month.

The Roosters have shared a successful partial alignment with North Melbourne since 2006 in a partnership that has captured three VFL premierships (2008-10).

“As a club we have seen the evolution of VFL competition with many AFL clubs now wanting to go stand-alone with their own teams,” Patterson said.

“We just need structures applied to ensure we are competitive and sustainable in what is a high-level competition and the challenges that comes with this.

“We’ve always had the philosophy that we have a very strong VFL list in any case.

“...We will continue to promote our organisation as a club where young footballers can continue to develop and realise their AFL dream or the highest level they can.”.

Geelong made a statement when it captured the VFL flag in 2012, proving AFL clubs could manage a successful secondary list.

In the past two seasons, Essendon, Richmond and Western Bulldogs (branded as Footscray) have joined Geelong and Collingwood to manage their own VFL arms. Essendon’s retreat from Bendigo primarily led to the regional club’s demise.

Patterson said there were strong VFL stand-alone models and the Roosters were confident they would continue to strengthen their structure, which led to the axing of a development team to work more closely with regional clubs where Roosters-listed players not needed for duty could return to home clubs.

The Roosters have also bolstered their list with the recruitment of decorated duo Myles Sewell and Orren Stephenson, both premiership players who return to the club. Sewell, the 2009 J. J. Liston medallist, is back from a hiatus overseas, and Stephenson brings back three years’ AFL experience.

Patterson said the Roosters wanted to capitalise and build on their homecomings while playing out the final year of a good relationship with North Melbourne.

“It’s been a good relationship with North Melbourne – a relationship based on trust, transparency and a strong sharing of skills and philosophy and values with the expectations this will continue that way next season,” he said.

North Melbourne football director Geoff Walsh said the Kangaroos were honoured to have been involved with the Roosters.