Tim Membrey tracking to continue AFL career in 2024

Saints veteran Tim Membrey looks on track to continue his AFL career, after concerns for his health following his sudden removal from the Saints’ elimination final team in September.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 26: Tim Membrey of the Saints celebrates after kicking a goal during the round 24 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and St Kilda Saints at The Gabba, on August 26, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

St Kilda goalkicker Tim Membrey is on track to continue his AFL career in 2024 in a big boost to the Saints and those close to the popular forward.

Membrey withdrew on the morning of the club’s elimination final against Greater Western Sydney last month on mental health grounds.

The news rattled some teammates as the Saints notified the AFL and the Giants in order to promote Anthony Caminiti into the starting line-up from outside the emergency list.

Membrey’s health has been the clear focus since and remains the No. 1 priority. He is progressing well and has been spotted at the club’s Moorabbin headquarters regularly.

The 29-year-old, who has kicked 263 goals from 160 games, has been in the gym and out on the track having a kick with teammates during the off-season.

The veteran was a late scratching from the Saints’ finals loss to the Giants. Pic: Michael Klein

While there understandably will be no pressure placed on Membrey from a football perspective, it appears the much-loved sharpshooter is setting himself for a full pre-season and to play next year.

He has not been alone in returning to training early, with most Saints getting a head start on pre-season training.

The likes of Jack Sinclair, Mason Wood, Mitchito Owens, Marcus Windhager, Liam Stocker and Max King – as well as others – have also hit the gym and the track at club headquarters.

Membrey was restricted to only seven AFL games in 2023 as he battled a knee injury, his fewest from nine seasons at the Saints.

The Saints enjoyed a fruitful trade period, adding Liam Henry (Fremantle) and Paddy Dow (Carlton).

They also possess two first-round selections (currently Nos. 13 and 21) for the first time in six years.