Tim Membrey trains with St Kilda, grateful for training with Lance Franklin at Sydney

ST KILDA recruit Tim Membrey says he was grateful for training alongside Lance Franklin — even if it contributed to the goalkicker leaving Sydney.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 05: Saints newest recruit Tim Membrey marks the ball during a St.Kilda Saints AFL training session at Linen House Oval on November 5, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

ST KILDA recruit Tim Membrey says he was grateful for spending 2014 training alongside Lance Franklin — even if it contributed to the young goalkicker leaving Sydney.

Membrey’s sole AFL appearance in two Swans seasons came when he was a late inclusion for Franklin with fellow stars Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and Sam Reid all well above him in coach John Longmire’s pecking order.

But after signing at Seaford as a delisted free agent, the 20-year-old sharpshooter thanked Sydney for initiating him with its professional standards.

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“To not waste a session,” he said of his Swans learnings.

“They really took every session very seriously, they’re a very professional group up there.

Tim Membrey played one game for Sydney. Picture: Jason Sammon

“I’m happy that he was there and I learnt so much off Buddy in the times we were training together.”

Membrey, 20, has moved in with West Australian Blake Acres and began training with the Saints’ first-to-fourth-year players on Wednesday.

Delisted trio Jared Petrenko, Shaun McKernan (both Adelaide) and Jeremy Taylor (Gold Coast) also trained at Seaford as they hope to win second AFL lifelines.

Membrey said an impressive presentation delivered by Saints powerbrokers swayed him after receiving interest from a handful of clubs.

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But the Traralgon product also turned the tables, with departed football head Chris Pelchen last month telling the Herald Sun that Membrey had also quizzed the Saints.

The 188cm forward wanted to know about their forward setup, leadership model, Leading Teams program, the values of the club and selection integrity before committing.

“We were really pleased that he did, because it wasn’t just about coming back and taking it for granted. He wanted to make inquiries about how the club was operating,” Pelchen said.

Membrey said he was still learning the names of his new teammates and was bullish about the Saints’ future.

Former Adelaide Crow Jared Petrenko training with St Kilda.

“It’s exciting times for the club. (There’s a) good young group of guys and I reckon the sky’s the limit from a couple years to come,” he said.

“I don’t want to get too far away from the goals because I see that as one of my strengths, but once I work on my endurance and my fitness, it is going to be a bit of both (playing up the ground).”

Saints chief operating officer Ameet Bains said Membrey would be afforded senior opportunities.

“He’s a very natural, aggressive forward, a strong mark and good shot for goal and we think in terms of age he fits our demographic really well,” Bains said.

“We certainly came close to drafting him in (2012) ... and as a result of that we’ve tracked him closely the last two years.”

Membrey slotted 105 NEAFL goals from 41 matches and could partner Spencer White and likely No. 1 pick Christian Petracca in a new-look attack next year, again built around captain Nick Riewoldt.