ADELAIDE

The Crows field their own team in the SANFL

Coach Ryan O'Keefe

2017 After reaching the preliminary final in 2016, the Crows were the big disappointment in the SANFL last season, winning seven of their 18 games to finish eighth in the 10-team competition.

System The strength of the Crows' SANFL side depends on how many injuries there on the list. The SANFL side is topped up with players from the Crows' SANFL development squad, that come from amateur and country clubs. Young players who missed out on being drafted, such as 20-year-old James Lonergan, have moved from interstate to join the development squad. Lachlan Murphy took the same path last year before being rookie-listed.

History The Crows were admitted a stand-alone team in the SANFL in 2014 under a 15-year agreement, for which they pay an annual $400,000 licence fee ($50,000 to each of the eight SANFL clubs). Before that, the Crows released listed players to SANFL clubs when not selected in the AFL side. The Crows finished eighth and seventh in their first two seasons before reaching the preliminary final in 2016. - Lee Gaskin

BRISBANE

The Lions field their own team in the NEAFL

Coach Mitch Hahn

2017 It was a great season for the Lions, sealing the NEAFL premiership with a pulsating three-point Grand Final victory over Sydney at the SCG.

System Brisbane can play as many AFL-listed players as they like during the home and away season. This changes when playing a non-AFL club in a finals match, when the maximum number of listed players they can use is 16. Being under the one umbrella, the Lions try and simulate their senior gameplan at NEAFL level, which is obviously made easier the fewer injuries they have. If injuries strike the club hard, they generally go to Academy players to 'top up' the NEAFL team.

History After playing in the QAFL from 1998 (including a 2001 premiership), the Lions were an inaugural NEAFL participant when the competition formed in 2011, and since then it's been feast or famine. They've won flags in 2012, 2013 and last year, but also claimed wooden spoons in 2011 and 2016. Their success rides very much on the health of the list. - Michael Whiting

CARLTON

Northern Blues (VFL)

Coach Josh Fraser

2017 In their second season under Fraser, the Blues just missed out on the finals, finishing with eight wins and an inferior percentage to eighth-placed Collingwood.

System The Northern Blues adopts the same game-plan and tactics as Carlton and their coaches such as Fraser, Jason Davenport and Brent Stanton are full-time. There is no limit to the number of Carlton players who can play with the VFL team. Carlton supports the Northern Blues financially and supplies staff.

History The affiliation began in 2002 with the club known as the Northern Bullants, formerly Preston. The relationship strengthened in 2012 when they were renamed the Northern Blues. Home games are shared between Preston City Oval in Cramer St and Ikon Park and the alignment has worked well for both clubs. - Howard Kotton

COLLINGWOOD

The Magpies field their own team in the VFL

Coach Jared Rivers

2017 The Pies started slowly but snuck into the finals before suffering a two-goal loss in an elimination final against eventual runner-up Richmond.

System As with most clubs that boast their own state league team, the Magpies use their VFL team to develop players for the elite level. This has meant basically bedding down a club-wide game-plan to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. Establishing a winning culture is also important.

History Collingwood was aligned with Williamstown from 2001-07, the union producing a VFL premiership in 2003, breaking a 13-year drought for the Seagulls, with future Pies premiership stars Dane Swan and Nick Maxwell among the heroes. The Pies established a standalone VFL team in 2008 to strengthen their player development program.

Chris Mayne in action for the Magpies' VFL team. Picture: AFL Photos





ESSENDON

Essendon (VFL)

Coach Dan Jordan

2017 The Bombers finished in sixth place on the VFL ladder, but were eliminated in the first week of finals after a five-point loss to Footscray.

System Jordan is a part of the wider Essendon coaching panel so the club's plans filter down to their VFL side. AFL-listed players get played in the positions they are vying for at senior level and the coaching patterns are similar. Former Bomber Heath Hocking will line up with the side this year.

History Essendon established its standalone VFL side in 2013, having previously been aligned with the Bendigo Football Club as the Bendigo Bombers. Matthew Knights famously graduated from the club's Bendigo coach to be Essendon's senior coach in 2008. Bendigo, which became known as the Gold after their affiliation ended, folded at the end of 2014.

FREMANTLE

Peel Thunder (WAFL)

Coach Cam Shepherd

2017 The Thunder won back-to-back flags, albeit in controversial fashion with 15 AFL-listed players in the Grand Final.

System Peel's success has prompted change to the WAFL's rules regarding AFL-listed players. Nine Peel locals were dropped for the qualifying final last year as the Thunder charged to consecutive flags and the fallout from that saw the League reduce the number of listed players who can participate in finals and increase the games qualification. It must be said part of the Thunder's success is their ability to implement Freo's high-pressure gamestyle and field some quality locals.

History Peel struggled in the club's first two decades in the WAFL before breaking through for a flag in 2016 – the third year of a full alignment with the Dockers. The partnership model with Fremantle works well for both parties, and has been extended until 2021. – Travis King

GEELONG

The Cats field their own team in the VFL

Coach Shane O'Bree (third season)

2017 The Cats missed the finals last year despite winning their last three games. They fielded 47 players across the 18-game season.

System Geelong has been the competition leader in having both VFL and AFL coaching staff under the same umbrella, with ultimate player flexibility forcing rival Victorian clubs to follow suit in recent years. In Sunday's VFL season opener, the Cats fielded 15 AFL-listed players, the rest of the team each week made up by a squad of local players, dominated by Victoria's strongest country league, the Geelong Football League. The Cats play their remaining home matches at GMBHA Stadium, including three curtain raisers before AFL matches, in rounds four, 12 and 18.



History The 2002 premiership was the breeding ground for Geelong's future success as Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Paul Chapman and Steve Johnson starred. In years since, the likes of Shane Mumford, Matthew Egan, James Podsiadly and Scott Thompson have forged strong AFL careers via the Geelong VFL system. Currently, three former VFL-listed Cats are on the senior list – Tom Stewart, Ryan Abbott and Timm House.

Jamaine Jones taps the ball out in front during a VFL clash against Footscray. Picture: AFL Photos





GOLD COAST

The Suns field their own team in the NEAFL

Coach Nick Malceski

2017 Last season was the best in the club's short NEAFL existence, making the preliminary final before being bundled out by the Sydney Swans.

System Very much the same as Brisbane. Gold Coast tries to implement its senior strategy at the lower level and can play as many listed players as they like during the premiership rounds. Come finals time, they can play just 16 listed players when competing against a non-AFL club. When injury strikes – as it has so often in the past – the Suns largely turn to their Academy for 'top up' players.

History Gold Coast has had a decent run in the NEAFL in its seven years, making the finals three times, with last year's preliminary final its best result. Like most AFL teams, their success depends on injuries to the senior team.

GWS

The Giants field their own team in the NEAFL

Coach Adam Schneider

2017 Last year was a struggle for the Giants given their vast injury list in the AFL, which left the NEAFL team short of experience.

System Having their own team in the NEAFL gives the Giants the ability to manage their players easily, especially those returning from injury. It's also a good chance to check on their academy players, who are used throughout the season as top-ups alongside the AFL-listed Giants. Playing more games against other AFL clubs, rather than non-AFL aligned NEAFL clubs, also helps the players' development.

History The Giants won the NEAFL premiership in 2016 and the system works well for the club when they have a healthy list to choose from. - Adam Curley

HAWTHORN

Box Hill Hawks (VFL)

Coach Chris Newman

2017 Box Hill made the preliminary final, losing to Richmond by 65 points.

System The Hawks have the resources to run their own standalone VFL team if they wished, but the Box Hill alignment works extremely well, with coaches Newman and Max Bailey employed by Hawthorn and working out of the Ricoh Centre. Box Hill recruits smartly, particularly from the Eastern Ranges, and players are drawn to the club because of the Hawthorn alignment. There is no requirement that a set number of VFL players is selected each week and if there are few injuries at Hawthorn, the VFL team can have up to 20 AFL-listed players running around.

History Box Hill won the 2001 and 2013 VFL flags since its alignment to Hawthorn began, with the 2001 team notable for the stumpy midfielder who couldn't help but win the ball. His name was Sam Mitchell and he would be drafted later that season and become one of the greatest Hawks of all. The 2013 win was notable for midfielder Jonathan Simpkin, who backed up six days later to play in Hawthorn's AFL premiership team. - Ashley Browne

MELBOURNE

Casey Demons (VFL)

Coach: Jade Rawlings

2017: The Demons finished fourth on the ladder under coach Justin Plapp (who has moved to Melbourne's AFL coaching staff), but lost to eventual grand finalist Richmond in the semi-finals.

System: Melbourne's alignment with Casey has been strengthened significantly in the last few seasons and the Demons have been big beneficiaries with three players (Declan Keilty, Tim Smith and Bayley Fritsch) drafted out of the VFL club in the last two seasons. With Rawlings – the Demons' defensive coach last year – in charge, Melbourne has a large say in how the players are managed and the positions they are played in. The style of football both clubs play is almost identical, which helps the Casey AFL-listed players play the 'Melbourne way' and readies them to be promoted to the top level when they deserve it.

History: In 2009, Melbourne aligned with VFL club, Casey Scorpions, entering a 30-year partnership. Prior to that, Melbourne had partnered Sandringham in the VFL from 2000-08, after the AFL reserves were abolished at the end of the 1999 season. The name change to Casey Demons ahead of the 2017 season was designed to improve the relationship between the clubs, with the men's and women's state league teams both playing under the name 'Demons'. - Ben Guthrie

Bayley Fritsch has made a seamless transition to Melbourne's AFL side after starring for Casey. Picture: AFL Photos





NORTH MELBOURNE

The Kangaroos field their own team in the VFL

Coach David Loader

2017 The Roos completed the final season of their alignment with Werribee, a year in which their team finished 12th and missed the VFL finals for the second-straight year.

System In fielding their own VFL team, North now has total control over the positions its players are used in and how many minutes they play, while its team tries to implement the same basic game style as the AFL team. The Kangaroos' supplementary list of VFL players includes former Brisbane Lion Michael Close, ex-Swan Tyrone Leonardis and Liston Trophy winner Nick Rippon.

History Before establishing its own VFL team, North was aligned with Werribee for the previous two seasons. Prior to that, the Roos had partial alignments with Werribee and North Ballarat. The partnership with North Ballarat was particularly successful, with the Roosters winning three consecutive premierships from 2008-10. - Nick Bowen

PORT ADELAIDE

Port Adelaide fields its own team in the SANFL

Coach Matthew Lokan

2017 The Port Adelaide Magpies made it all the way to the SANFL Grand Final before losing to arch rivals Sturt by one point.

System Port Adelaide can play as many AFL-listed players as it wants in the SANFL during the regular season. However, the Magpies must play five SANFL-contracted players (one of which is marquee player Steve Summerton) in the finals, meaning they can have a maximum of 16 AFL-listed players in the finals (in the SANFL, there are three players on the interchange bench, compared to four in the AFL). This caused issues last season when the Power had almost a full list to choose from, with a couple of AFL-listed players having to play in the SANFL Reserves.

History The Port Adelaide Football Club was established in 1870, and were one of eight inaugural clubs to form the South Australian Football Association in 1877. The Magpies have won 36 state-league premierships, making them one of the most successful clubs in the country. When Port entered the AFL in 1997, players were drafted to SANFL clubs when not in the AFL side. But in 2014, the Power had a stand-alone team playing under the Port Adelaide Magpies banner and wearing the club's traditional black and white guernseys. - Lee Gaskin

RICHMOND

The Tigers field their own team in the VFL

Coach Craig McRae

2017 The Tigers did the double last season with both their VFL and AFL teams winning through to the Grand Final. However, the VFL side wasn't able to produce the same salute with a four-point loss to Port Melbourne occurring on the eve of AFL Grand Final week.

System McRae is also the Tigers' forward line development coach, which allows beneficial coaching crossover for the club's young key position players who are honing their craft in the VFL. Ryan Ferguson and Xavier Clarke are also development coaches who work with players across both teams. There is a 24-man list of VFL-specific players, but AFL Tigers who have missed selection, are coming back from injury or developing in a particular role get first dibs on a spot in the side. The health of the senior list will determine the number of AFL players needing a spot in the VFL side, while the abolishment of the development league this year will make the squeeze for VFL players to get a regular game even tighter.

History The Tigers broke away from their alignment with Coburg in 2013 in a bid to amalgamate their senior, development and VFL programs. The financial support of the Fighting Tiger Fund enabled the establishment of the team, which was initially coached by Tim Clarke before McRae took over in 2016. A $20 million redevelopment that was completed in 2011 allowed for the VFL team to play its home games at Punt Road, which ensured the return of competitive Tiger football to their spiritual base for the first time since 1964. – Jennifer Phelan.

Corey Ellis gathers the footy for Richmond's VFL side against Sandringham. Picture: AFL Photos





ST KILDA

Sandringham (VFL)

Coach Aaron Hamill

2017 The Zebras were disappointing last year, finishing 11th out of 14 teams.

System St Kilda is allowed as many senior players lining up for the Zebras as it wants. With Hamill part of the Saints system, the club has control over on-field strategy. St Kilda assistant coach Adam Skrobalak is the head coach at the Frankston Dolphins, and the two clubs have an arrangement that will allow rookie big man Lewis Pierce to play at the Dolphins. That will ensure he can spend time in the ruck and up forward, rather than in defence as happened at times last year in a Sandringham side that had other talls in his preferred positions.

History This alignment has been in place since 2009, but it was only since last year that the Saints could field as many senior-listed players as they wanted. In 2001, the Saints linked with Springvale, which moved to Casey in 2006. – Dinny Navaratnam

SYDNEY

The Swans field their own team in the NEAFL

Coach Tadhg Kennelly

2017 The Swans dominated the NEAFL under former coach Rhyce Shaw last year, but fell to Brisbane in the Grand Final at the SCG, which was a huge upset.

System The Swans have a fantastic development system and having their own NEAFL side gives them the advantage of preparing their players in the same way as they do the AFL side. The development team of John Blakey, Tadhg Kennelly and Jeremy Laidler has plenty of experience to help the players prepare for senior footy.

History The Swans have had great success in developing players in the NEAFL, with George Hewett, Aliir Aliir and Harry Marsh examples of those to have succeeded at senior level after serving their time in the reserves. - Adam Curley

WEST COAST

East Perth (WAFL)

Coach Luke Webster

2017 The Royals fell a win short of qualifying for finals after losing their opening five games.

System Unlike Peel's alignment with Fremantle, East Perth's partnership with West Coast has seen gnashing of teeth from Royals supporters unhappy with the model and the Eagles have explored fielding their own team in the WAFL. Shellackings in the past two weeks by a combined 222 points has deepened concerns over the unity and spirit at East Perth.

History East Perth posted the League's biggest profit last year and is debt-free but both the Royals and Eagles acknowledge their partnership isn't perfect, with both clubs forced to compromise on issues such as player management. However, the alignment – which began in 2013 - won't be ended before 2021. – Travis King

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Footscray Bulldogs (VFL)

Coach Steve Grace

2017 As reigning premiers, the Dogs finished the home and away season in seventh position. After knocking over Essendon in a tight elimination final, the 'Scray' fell to eventual premier Port Melbourne in a semi-final.

System While the club has won two premierships since fielding its own team in the VFL, the side is predominately used to develop players for the AFL team. Senior coach Luke Beveridge's flexibility mantra routinely sees players trialled all over the ground. The outfit has also been a development tool for the AFL side's brains trust, with former head coaches Chris Maple and Ashley Hansen moving into AFL roles as football manager and forward coach respectively.

History After having partial and full alignments with Williamstown and Werribee since the AFL reserves competition was abolished in 1999, the club revived the Footscray name and entered its own side in the VFL in 2014. - Ryan Davidsonom

Tom Boyd celebrates a goal with his Footscray VFL teammates. Picture: AFL Photos



