Dogs' VFL rift grows
18 September 2007 Herald Sun
Mark Stevens and AAP
TENSION is mounting between the Western Bulldogs and Werribee in the ongoing VFL shake-up.
It is understood Werribee has officially approached the Kangaroos to form an alignment, raising the ire of the Dogs.
It now appears possible the Bulldogs could team with Williamstown after Collingwood announced yesterday that it was splitting with the Seagulls to establish its own VFL team.
There is also an outside chance the Dogs could field a stand-alone VFL team called Footscray.
The relationship between the Bulldogs and Werribee has been strained this season, with several of the AFL club's draftees spending time in the VFL reserves.
Under the agreement with Werribee, the Dogs can walk away if not satisfied with several key performance indicators.
The Dogs have also questioned the development provided at the club. Werribee has a part-time coach in Simon Atkins.
Werribee said it had a year left on its contract with the Dogs and expected it to be honoured.
The issue will be discussed at a Bulldogs board meeting this week.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said the seven-year partnership with Williamstown had been successful, but the club had decided it wanted "total control of player development".
