St Kilda has extended its alignment with VFL affiliate Sandringham until the end of 2016.

The two teams have chosen to extend their alignment for an eighth year, with Sandringham having just secured a finals position under Sandringham coach and St Kilda Academy Manager Simon McPhee.

The Zebras and the Saints have long been linked through their bayside Melbourne connection and various players who have represented both clubs such as Rex Hunt and St Kilda 1966 premiership players Ian Cooper and Bob Murray.

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The Zebras’ home ground and St Kilda’s best and fairest award are both named after Trevor Barker who played 230 games for the Saints before coaching Sandringham to premierships in 1992 and 1994.

St Kilda Head of Football Chris Pelchen said the Saints were pleased to extend the alignment.

“St Kilda and Sandringham have had a long and rewarding history together and we are extremely pleased to have the Zebras as our VFL affiliate until the end of 2016,” Pelchen said.

“While our intention remains to field a standalone VFL team based at Moorabbin, we see the recently revitalised alignment with Sandringham as providing mutual benefits for both clubs."

“The redevelopment project at Moorabbin will not be completed in time for the 2016 season, so this new agreement will provide St Kilda and Sandringham sufficient opportunity to prepare for the transition into standalone clubs.”

Sandringham General Manager John Mennie said the extension was testament to the successful relationship the two clubs have forged.

“We are so pleased the Saints and Zebras will extend our partnership and continue to provide a career path for talented footballers in a program focused on developing players in a successful team environment,” Mennie said.

“St Kilda has been tremendously supportive of Sandringham and there has been wonderful camaraderie in a playing group that has been made up of St Kilda and Sandringham listed players.”