St Kilda
The 24-year-old’s struggles in front of goal have been well publicised in 2018, but after slotting the Saints’ second late in the opening term, Membrey went on to convert another five, nearly doubling his season goal tally.
Staring down the barrel of a 48-point deficit coming into the final quarter, the Saints could easily have rolled over and conserved their energy.
But senior coach Alan Richardson’s message to his chargers in the three-quarter time huddle was simple.
“There were two choices,” Richardson said.
“We could try and dig a hole for ourselves and just hope the siren went and get on the plane with our tail between our legs, or we could fight.”
And with that, the boys in red, white and black refused to lie down, and an inspired, albeit unlikely comeback, was all of a sudden on the cards.
Membrey led the way, nailing three goals and setting up another as the rampaging Saints clawed their way back to get within 12 points in a stunning seven-goal-to-one finish.
Alan Richardson’s three-quarter time message was simple.
The Saints ultimately succumbed to the league leaders by a mere 13 points, the closest any Victorian side has come to toppling the formidable Eagles at their new fortress all year.
“I’m really pleased the guys didn’t toss it in,” Richardson reflected post-match.
“We took the harder option and dug in, and played for our footy club. And whilst we’re disappointed we didn’t get the result, we knew it was going to be a challenge coming over here.”
Spirited fightback falls short
It was a happy return to Optus Stadium for Membrey, where just three weeks ago, he posted 1.5 in the Saints’ loss to Fremantle in a performance symptomatic of his start to the season.
“I was really pleased for Tim,” Richardson said.
“He’s a terrific person. He loves his footy club, he loves his mates and he felt like he let them down (against Fremantle).
“He should be rightly proud of what he did today. I knew it would turn. He’s a guy that keeps working at his craft, and that’s what happens if you keep working hard.”
Richardson also sang the praises of two of the Saints’ five 2018 debutants in Bailey Rice and Hunter Clark.
“Rice was really positive. He was quite courageous at times, and he both defended and attacked well,” he said.
“I thought Hunter stood up as well. He was clean under pressure and I thought he was pretty tough.”
The Saints return home to host Sydney in the annual Pride Game at Etihad Stadium next weekend, and with a host of youngsters finding form and the likely return of Josh Bruce, things are looking up at St Kilda.
