Saints to field their own VFL team after Sandringham split
St Kilda and Sandringham will end their VFL alignment at the end of the season
By Sophie Welsh
2:03 pm
Sandringham Zebras players are seen ahead of VFL round five, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
ST KILDA will field its own VFL side in 2026 after ending its alignment with the Sandringham Zebras.
The Saints have cited the need for "consistent player development strategies" as a crucial factor in the split.
"The Saints are now entering a critical phase in our men’s list build and broader club growth. It is crucial we have full control and oversight of our men’s VFL program to ensure consistent player development strategies, alignment in game plan, and list management," Saints CEO Carl Dilena said.
"We also want to continue investing in our people. Full ownership of our VFL team creates greater opportunities for staff development and internal progression.
"This shift will also allow for more matches to be played at RSEA Park, which not only holds strong cultural significance for our club but is equipped with AFL-grade technology and facilities that will support the VFL program."
Max King in action during VFL round seven, 2019. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images
The alignment, which began in 2009, will continue for the rest of 2025, with seven rounds remaining in the VFL home and away season. The Zebras sit second-last on the VFL ladder, with one win, one draw and 10 losses so far in the season.
Former St Kilda player and current Saints development coach Brendon Goddard is currently the head coach of Sandringham.
The partnership between Sandringham's VFLW and St Kilda's AFLW sides will continue into 2026.
Brendon Goddard speaks to his Sandringham players during VFL round 14, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
Sandringham will also field a standalone VFL side from 2026, joining clubs without an AFL affiliate in Williamstown, Werribee, Preston, Port Melbourne, Frankston and Southport.
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"We look forward to engaging with our local football communities, clubs and leagues to build a competitive Bayside playing list for 2026 and beyond," Sandringham CEO Mark Wheeler said.
"We are ready for the challenge that lies ahead but can’t lose focus on the remaining 2025 season for both our VFL and VFLW teams, which is business as usual regarding list selections, coaching and support from St Kilda."
Hooray
Welcome back sandringham zebras playing at beach road oval and wearing the zebra colours every game. Preston bullants name back too.
That is absolutely brilliant news. I'm excited to have them back in the comp in their own right.
I home to see renewed interest in the Zebs from long time supporters of the club that have fallen away in recent years.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Sandy have started the "We Stand as One" 2026 membership campaign. I have never renewed membership so early
https://www.sandringhamfc.com.au/latest-news/we-stand-as-one
In 2026, Sandringham Football Club will field a standalone men’s team in the Victorian Football League (VFL) for the first time in 25 years, restoring our independent identity and re-establishing a strong connection with our origins and the Bayside community. This is a big step for our club as we approach our 100 years and reflect on the history of the Sandringham Zebras. Whilst it's an exciting time, it doesn't come without its challenges.
We eagerly anticipate embarking on this next chapter with Bayside businesses and the community by our side - we are bold, community-driven, and proudly Bayside.
The hard work to stand alone starts now. We need YOU, our football loving Bayside community, to get involved with the Zebras. We're YOUR club and we look forward to you being part of the next chapter in our history.
Billy would be very happy !
We might be from the bush. but we ain't green
Daniel Ward appointed Sandringham FC VFL Senior Coach for 2026
The Sandringham Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Ward as our VFL Senior Coach for 2026.
Ward is a Premiership player for the Zebras, playing off the half back flank in our 2005 Premiership, and his performance was recognized with the VFL Norm Goss Medal for being the best on ground in the Grand Final. He boasts an impressive playing career, having been a member of the Melbourne Football Club from 1996 to 2007, during which he participated in 36 games for Sandringham and scored 16 goals as a defender.
After the 1999 season, he was honoured as Melbourne FC’s 'Most Improved Player' and finished the 2001 season in fifth place for the Melbourne FC Best & Fairest award. Ward was characterised as a 'run and carry' type player, celebrated for his bold runs and counterattacks from defence; his determination and team-first mentality were among his most notable attributes. Even though Melbourne lost the 2000 Grand Final to Essendon, Ward was recognised as one of Melbourne's best players on that occasion. Over the course of his playing career, Ward also represented Fitzroy Football Club, North Adelaide Football Club, and St Kilda City.
Ward’s transition into coaching began when he joined the Mallee Eagles FC as a playing coach in 2010, followed by Monbulk FC as a playing coach in 2013.
Ward has led, mentored, coached, and developed not only juniors, but senior semi-professional athletes and aspiring AFL players across every stage of their football journey.
“My strength lies not just in developing the player, but in understanding the person. Coaching for me has never been about one dimension; it is about unlocking every facet of an individual’s character and performance, knowing what makes them tick, and driving them to reach levels they didn’t know they were capable of,” says Ward.
Ward is currently the A-Grade Senior Coach for Old Haileybury Football Club. Over his eight years at Old Haileybury, he has taken them from C Grade through to A Grade, delivered multiple premierships, and embedded a culture of respect, resilience, and belief.
CEO Mark Wheeler stated,
"Following a rigorous interview process, we determined that Daniel was the most suitable candidate for the direction our club is pursuing as an independent club once more in the VFL. His background as a former premiership player, coupled with strong family and cultural values, distinguished Ward from a remarkable pool of applicants. Additionally, his extensive coaching experience with proven success, not only in player development but also in achieving multiple Premierships for Old Haileybury in the VAFA showed he is the right person to lead us to our next Premiership.”
Sandringham FC President Nick Johnstone spoke of the appointment,
“As a club, we are so excited to have Daniel join us as VFL Senior Coach of the Zebras. It was clear to me right from the start that he was the person for the job, with a great track record in our Bayside community and a hard edge coupled with experience at the highest level. Daniel will take our club, now a standalone, to a new level and as a club we will give him our unwavering support. It’s exciting times ahead.”
Ward is also a proud father of two daughters and local Bayside resident, and we are so excited to have him back at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
Welcome back sandringham zebras. First time stand alone since 1999