A St Kilda forward line without champion Nick Riewoldt will function differently in 2018, says mobile forward Tim Membrey.

Membrey has become a permanent fixture in Alan Richardson’s attack in the past two years, kicking the most goals at Linen House Centre in 2016 (44.18) and 2017 (38.14).

The 24-year-old said the retirement of the six-time Trevor Barker Award winner, along with Senior Assistant Coach Rohan Welsh moving from defence to attack has created changes.

“We’ve tweaked a few things in our game plan as a forward group this pre-season,” Membrey told Melbourne radio station SEN on Wednesday.

“Something comes up in every session how we can improve, so it’s been really good having our new coach Rohan Welsh down there.

“Younger guys have really stepped up this pre-season like Jack Lonie and Josh Battle.”

With St Kilda ranked last in the AFL for scoring conversion in 2017, the Saints signed former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon in December to help improve the Saints’ goal kicking.

Membrey, who has been one of the few Saints to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal in recent years, said Dixon’s program has made a instant impact at the club.

“He’s been a breath of fresh air, coming in and putting a new goal kicking program in front of us,” he said.

“He’s been going really well, working closely with guys like Jack Billings, Jade Gresham and Joshy Battle.

“The guys have really jumped behind it and we’re getting plenty of shots in. it is a crucial part of the game and at times the pressure can build.

“When it really matters, you need to back yourself, back your process and kick your goals because they are so important.”