St Kilda key forward Tim Membrey is under no illusion that he must improve if he wants to build on his breakout season and go to the next level in 2017, says Saints Assistant Coach Aaron Hamill.

The 22-year-old was one of the most improved young players in the competition in 2016, booting 44 goals from the final 17 games of the year after overcoming a shoulder reconstruction, which delayed his start to the season.

Former St Kilda captain and current forwards coach, Hamill, says the heavily inked Gippsland Power product is determined to not be a one-season wonder and is eyeing an even better follow up story.

“He is under no illusion that it’s not going to be easy; the opposition will put a lot more time into him, so he’s certainly working on a lot of stuff that he wants to get better,” Hamill told saints.com.au on Thursday.

“We’ve identified several areas to improve in; leadership is one area he wants to improve; his speed work is another and his fitness base.

“He’s chipping away at all of those areas, and whilst he had an outstanding year in 2016, that’s all behind us now.

“He’s really looking forward to 2017 and he really wants to back up and get the ultimate team success; he’s doing everything he can to build on last season."

St Kilda’s first two picks in last November’s National Draft – Ben Long (No. 25) and Josh Battle (No. 39) – have both settled well under the tutelage of Hamill as part of the forwards group.

Less than two months into their careers at St Kilda, Hamill has been pleased by their ability to learn the Saints method in attack and their desire to learn and improve, each and every day.

“Ben and Josh have been really good to look and absorb and do what they see. They understand what it takes to play in the forward line, but I’ve been really impressed with both of them," Hamill said.

“But as all first-year boys, they’re learning the game and learning the environment. 

"They’re managed really well in terms of their workloads which frustrate them at times, but they are really applying themselves which will give them the best chance.”