At 188cm Tim Membrey was tall enough to be a dominant key forward at underage level, but knew he wasn’t going to be able to hold down a key post at AFL level. What he needed to do was improve his work rate and become strong in the air and at a ground level, presenting a difficult match-up for opposition coaches to shut down.
After two opportunity starved seasons at Sydney, the Gippsland Power product landed at St Kilda at the end of 2014. He played 12 games in his first season at Linen House Centre and after overcoming a shoulder reconstruction at the end of last season, Membrey made an emphatic return to the AFL scene last weekend.
The 21-year-old spearhead booted 5.1 from 16 possessions and eight marks – four from inside forward 50 – and has never looked more at home at the level. Whilst he is built like a key forward, his lack of height in the modern game means Membrey knows he must be as good at ground level as he is in the air if he is going to cement a spot inside St Kilda's best 22.
“Coming through the TAC Cup I knew I could play that key position role, but I knew I wasn’t quite at the height to play key position in the AFL,” Membrey told Crocmedia’s Sportsday.
“I just knew that I had to work hard and work on my running and just build my game based around pressure.
“I guess once I got into the system and realised what I had to do to break into the side and hopefully can now play some consistent AFL footy.
“It’s just going to come off the back of working hard up and down the ground and being that awkward height to play on where I can be competitive in the air and be competitive at ground level.”
On the back of his breakout performance against Melbourne, Membrey doesn’t feel comfortable with his position in Alan Richardson’s side. With St Kilda’s attacking weaponry comprising Nick Riewoldt and Josh Bruce, as well as 2014 No. 1 pick Paddy McCartin, the Saints are well stocked forward of centre.
At 33, Riewoldt won’t be around forever. But right now, with competition for spots ferocious inside 50, Membrey says his direction is to build his game from applying pressure. The rest will take care of itself.
“The main message I get each week is it starts with my pressure. I’ve just got to make sure I’m getting in the front of the opposition and forcing them to make decisions under pressure,” Membrey said.
“If I can keep doing that week-in and week-out I think that I can hold a spot in the team. But when I go away from that then that’s when I’ll start putting that spot in jeopardy.”
Now more than 18 months into his time at St Kilda, Membrey is relishing being part of an emerging group of young players who are starting to help the club climb back up the ladder towards September football.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. There’s a great bunch of blokes here, I’ve made some really good mates now,” Membrey said.
“I think as a group and as a team we’re heading in the right direction. I think a lot of young guys are starting to really take their opportunity when they’re given. I think it’s providing that really positive feel around the club.”
