MELBOURNE'S VFL affiliate will be renamed the Casey Demons in 2017, the clubs further strengthening what was a once rocky alignment. 

The Casey Demons will don the traditional red and blue Melbourne strip and play under the name in the VFL competition in 2017.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the improved relationship was a significant factor in the Demons' recent improvement. 

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“We see this announcement as a really positive step for both parties. We have worked really closely with Casey to improve the football program year-on-year, which is evident by the improved results, both as a collective and at the individual level,” Mahoney told the club's website. 

“The team reached the VFL Grand Final for the first time in the alignment history and through our development programs, produced three AFL players via this 2016 Rookie Draft. Two of these Casey-listed players, Tim Smith and Declan Keilty, were drafted to Melbourne and a third, Oscar McInerney, was picked up as a rookie at the Brisbane Lions.

"This shows how strong the partnership already is and we think this move to align our brand with the Casey region will significantly strengthen the partnership both on and off the field.”

The Demons will ensure they respect the history of Springvale, which is what Casey was known as before the move.

Mahoney said it would honour the team's connection with Springvale on the club's jumper, while the team will also wear a heritage jumper at some stage through 2017.

Melbourne has a long-term agreement with the City of Casey until 2038 and Mahoney said the football connection would remain intact. 

“We have been working very closely with the Casey Scorpions over the years and we are very appreciative of the Casey Scorpions board’s decision to agree to this change and we look forward to working more closely together this season," Mahoney said.