North Melbourne are set to become the sixth Victorian club - along with Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs - to field their own VFL team next season.
The Kangaroos and VFL partner Werribee announced on Monday they had agreed to end their 10-season alignment after this season, with both to field stand-alone VFL teams 2018.
North Melbourne football manager Cameron Joyce said having a stand-alone team would be a boost to the club's player development.
"This is a significant step for us as a footy club and in line with our strategic aims and objectives heading into an exciting new era," Joyce said in a statement.
"There is a lot of work to be done in order to prepare for next season but, first and foremost, we are focused on ensuring that our current alignment with Werribee ends on the highest possible note."
The clubs were committed to continue working together to develop talent.
Werribee coach John Lamont said the Tigers could offer "wonderful opportunities" to players in 2018.
"We have a new multimillion-dollar facility and the chance to showcase football ability on the big stage," he said.
North began its partnership with Werribee in 2008 and although the on-field relationship will come to an end, the clubs will continue to work closely off the field.
"We have extremely strong ties with Werribee and I am pleased to say that this will still be the case going forward," said North CEO Carl Dilena.
