The unprecedented move was conceived by AFL NSW/ACT to combat the clubs' player-recruitment problem.

It was formalised on Friday, and the new entity will be called the Moree Services Suns-Narrabri Eagles, although operational logistics - such as training - are still to be worked out.

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Narrabri folded mid-season last year due to a lack of players.

At this stage the joint venture is only for one season, with it hoped the clubs will be strong enough to go it alone after 2020.

However, Suns president Ash Jones said he was "open to the idea" of the arrangement continuing beyond this year, "as long as Narrabri is as well".

He said: "It's definitely gonna strengthen the league, as well as strengthen both teams for future years to come ... hopefully we can build up and grow the numbers for each club ... try and grow our clubs that way: from the success of the new joint venture, hopefully."

Jones said the clubs training separately on Tuesdays and as a unit on Thursdays was a possibility, with the clubs rotating the Thursday hosting duties on a weekly basis.

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"But we still haven't signed any contracts or anything like like that," he said. "So we're actually still in the middle of finalising all the logistics at the moment."

Jones believes that it will be a "great" first year for the new team. "I really see us being a lot more of a competitive side than what previous years have shown for both clubs. I really see us as being up there this season."

Jones said Paul Taylor - community football manager for AFL NSW/ACT (North West and North Coast) - had been a "really big help for us" in regards to the new arrangement.

Taylor said it was "borderline" as to whether Narrabri would be a viable proposition without taking this step, and Moree was in a "very similar" position.

He said joint ventures had been successful in other competitions, although it was a first for AFL North West.

"Ultimately, the two clubs have decided the joint venture is the best way to go," he said, "because it means they can guarantee footy content every week.

"It means that both towns will retain an AFL presence and their own identity, which hopefully then gives them a position to launch from [and continue as separate entities]."

Taylor said the clubs would rotate home games and wear their own uniform at home. They would rotate their uniform on the road, he said.

AFL North West president Sonia Martin said the move was "great for both clubs and for the competition", and "gives them a platform to grow from".

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