North Melbourne will field a stand-alone VFLW side from 2020, after mutually agreeing to part ways with long-term partner, Melbourne University Women’s Football Club (MUWFC).

The current MUWFC VFLW license will transfer to North, with the decision ending a significant ten year partnership, following the North Melbourne Tasmania Kangaroos’ successful foray into the AFLW competition.

“The ability to have four teams in the blue and white is something that is really special to us,” North head of football operations Laura Kane, said.

“It was the right time to bring our VFLW program in house, having completed the facility redevelopment, and we are really excited for 2020 and beyond.”

Kane, also former president of MUWFC, paid tribute to the work the clubs had done together.

"A little more than a decade ago, North and Melbourne Uni changed the way women's football was viewed and played when they entered into a meaningful partnership," she said.

"North gave MUWFC a place to train, play and belong here at Arden St which was very significant at the time. The level of support, guidance and good will offered to North from MUWFC was equally powerful as we moved to secure an AFLW licence."