‘A lot of variables’: Ross can’t guarantee AFL spot for Membrey

An experienced Saints forward may not play senior football this weekend even if fit, while Jack Steele’s return date has been set.

Tim Membrey is poised to enter the selection frame following his return from a knee injury, but Ross Lyon is not guaranteeing the sharpshooter an AFL berth. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says Tim Membrey is no lock to be selected to play Collingwood in Adelaide despite the experienced forward firming to be available for the first time this season.

The three-time St Kilda leading goalkicker trained fully on Wednesday along with inspirational skipper Jack Steele who is set to return in Round 6, just four weeks after suffering a broken collarbone.

Membrey would add 153 career games and 257 goals to the Saints’ fledgling forward line, but Lyon said the impressive contributions of Anthony Caminiti and Zaine Cordy to the Saints’ 4-0 start to the season means the decision to bring him back in is not automatic.

Lyon confirmed Steele will return next week to face Carlton back in Melbourne, with the Saints captain joining the main group alongside Membrey for training, albeit while donning a non-contact cap.

St Kilda’s forward line has now kicked scores of 92, 92 and 113 in the last three weeks and looked its most dangerous in the 53-point demolition of Gold Coast, with 191cm Mitch Owens starring as a forward target and Caminiti booting two goals.

Tim Membrey may not travel to Adelaide with the senior side even if he proves his fitness for this weekend, says Ross Lyon. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

It would be a difficult decision not to back in the incumbents to again perform in the same fashion at the Adelaide Oval against Collingwood, Lyon said.

“(Membrey) is in our leadership group, he’s been a very experienced key forward for a fair bit of time, but in saying that, our incumbents have been getting the job done,” he said.

“It’s the hardest position to play in the front half of the ground I think, so all credit to the team.

“They’ve been able to stand up, our system is standing up, so it’s a nice problem to have.

Lyon said Membrey still had to “jump through some hoops” to prove his fitness at training on Friday, but said it was likely he would be available.

“I haven’t made the decision, it’s a debate (whether Membrey will play in the senior side),” Lyon said.

“There’s no reason he shouldn’t get through (on Friday).”

Lyon says Jack Steele will face Carlton in round 6, after the St Kilda skipper trained with the main group on Wednesday. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

Ruckman Rowan Marshall was absent from the track on Wednesday as he went for another recovery session in the pool at Moorabbin, but Lyon denied he was in any doubt ahead of Gather Round.

“He’s not banged up at all, but the ruck position you wouldn’t want to play – if you’ve got a kid tell them not to play in the ruck,” he said.

“It’s very combative in there … he’s been carrying a big load, he’s a big runner, he’s been really important to us.

Lyon said being able to rest Marshall during the week was a “marginal win” the Saints would continue to try and take.

Asked about Steele’s recovery from a broken collarbone, Lyon said: “He’ll play against the Blues”.

He acknowledged Collingwood will present the Saints’ biggest challenge so far this season.

“On the current ladder, the first time we’ve played someone in the top four, so it’s a good challenge,” he said.

“But one we’re keen to meet, we’re excited for our fans, we exist for our fans, so we want to put on a show on national TV.”

Originally published as ‘A lot of variables’: Ross can’t guarantee AFL spot for Membrey