In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, veteran key forward Tim Membrey is set to join the Collingwood Magpies after being delisted by the St Kilda Saints. The 30-year-old, who has been a stalwart of the Saints’ forward line for nearly a decade, now faces a new challenge as he looks to extend his career with the Magpies.
From Saints to Magpies: Membrey’s Journey
Membrey’s AFL journey began with the Sydney Swans, where he was originally drafted in 2012. However, after playing just one senior game for the Swans, he moved to St Kilda as a delisted free agent in 2015. It was with the Saints that Membrey truly found his footing, establishing himself as a reliable and potent key forward.
Over the course of his eight seasons with St Kilda, Membrey kicked an impressive 293 goals in 178 games, finishing as the club’s leading goalkicker on three occasions (2016, 2017, and 2019). His strong marking ability, combined with his accuracy in front of goal, made him a valuable asset to the Saints’ forward line.
Injury Setbacks and a New Chapter
However, Membrey’s 2023 season was hampered by injury, limiting him to just seven appearances. Despite this setback, he managed to bounce back in 2024, kicking 30 goals across 19 games to finish as the Saints’ second-highest goalkicker behind Jack Higgins.
“The past 10 years have been an incredible privilege,” Membrey said of his time with the Saints. “I have loved being here at the club with the many teammates who I am proud to call friends by my side, and have felt supported by the Saints faithful every step of the way.”
Tim Membrey on his time with St Kilda
Now, as Membrey embarks on a new chapter with Collingwood, many are wondering what he will bring to the Magpies’ forward line. With his experience, leadership, and proven goal-scoring ability, Membrey could be a valuable addition to a Collingwood side looking to build on their recent success.
Filling the Void at St Kilda
For St Kilda, Membrey’s departure leaves a significant void in their forward line. The Saints will now need to look to their younger players to step up and fill the role that Membrey has played so admirably over the past eight seasons.
The likes of Max King, Cooper Sharman, and Josh Battle will be called upon to take on greater responsibility in the Saints’ forward line, while the club may also look to the trade and draft periods to bolster their attacking stocks.
A New Era for Both Clubs
As Membrey prepares to don the black and white stripes of Collingwood, both the Magpies and the Saints find themselves on the cusp of a new era. For Collingwood, the addition of a proven goalkicker like Membrey could be the missing piece in their quest for a premiership, while for St Kilda, the challenge will be to rebuild their forward line and continue their push for finals success.
Only time will tell how this move will play out for both clubs, but one thing is certain: Tim Membrey’s impact on the AFL is far from over. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans of both Collingwood and St Kilda will be watching closely to see what the future holds for this talented and resilient key forward.
