Extra layer of motivation and unity, the Magpies have every reason to be excited about their newest recruit.
The AFL’s 2024 off-season has already
made waves, and one of the latest
splashes comes from the Collingwood
Football Club, who have snapped up
former St Kilda forward Tim Membrey
as a delisted free agent. Known for his
strong presence up forward and a
remarkable ability to impact scoring,
Membrey’s acquisition brings an added
layer of strength and depth to the
reigning 2023 AFL premiers. Yet, beyond
his on-field abilities, Membrey’s move to
Collingwood is backed by a deeper
narrative: his close friendship with star
midfielder Tom Mitchell, a bond that
promises to enrich the club’s culture
both on and off the field.
A New Chapter for Membrey.
Tim Membrey, who spent nearly a
decade with St Kilda, was a fan favorite
at Moorabbin, having played 152 games
and kicking 228 goals. His consistent
performances, physical prowess, and
ability to create plays have made him a
valuable player throughout his career.
However, his time at St Kilda came to an
unexpected end, leading Collingwood to
seize the opportunity to bolster their
forward line with Membrey’s experience
and skill.
With Membrey’s ability to mark under
pressure and a versatile style that allows
him to play various roles in the forward
line, Collingwood saw in him a rare free
agent who could not only add firepower
but also complement their existing
forward setup. His addition is likely to
relieve some of the pressure on younger
forwards and offer Collingwood greater
flexibility with their forward structure.
For Collingwood coach Craig McRae,
Membrey represents a unique player
who can impact the scoreboard while
also acting as a selfless leader in the
forward 50.
“Tim’s got that experience and
professionalism we value so highly
here,” McRae commented following
Membrey’s signing. “He’s a mature
player who knows what it takes to
succeed, and we’re excited to see him
bring that winning mentality and team-
first attitude to Collingwood.”
Friendship with Mitchell: A Bond Beyond Footy.
One of the interesting dynamics of
Membrey’s arrival is his strong
friendship with Collingwood’s midfield
dynamo, Tom Mitchell. The two first
crossed paths when Mitchell joined St
Kilda as a development coach in 2018,
and they have maintained a close
friendship ever since. Mitchell’s journey
saw him transition back to the field,
joining Collingwood in 2023, where he
played an instrumental role in their
premiership campaign. With Membrey
now alongside him, Mitchell couldn’t be
happier.
“Tim and I have a lot of shared values
and mutual respect for each other’s
game,” Mitchell stated. “Having him as a
teammate again is just incredible. We
know how each other works, and that
trust only strengthens the connection on
game day.”
This pre-existing bond could prove
invaluable as the two now aim to
replicate their camaraderie and
understanding on-field, bringing a boost
to Collingwood’s overall cohesion.
Mitchell and Membrey share an
uncompromising work ethic, discipline,
and desire for team success, traits that
have made them popular among
teammates and coaches alike. Their
relationship serves as an example of how
friendship and trust off the field can
translate into enhanced synergy and
performance on it.
Membrey’s Role in the Magpies’ 2024 Aspirations.
For Collingwood, Membrey is more than
a former Saint turned Magpie; he is a
player who brings strategic advantages
that could be crucial in their title
defense. Collingwood’s forward line
already boasts players like Jamie Elliott
and Brody Mihocek, but with Membrey’s
arrival, McRae has additional options to
rotate players and create matchup
problems for opposition defenses.
Additionally, Membrey’s maturity will
make him a guiding figure for
Collingwood’s younger players, offering
them advice and support while pushing
them to lift their standards.
For Membrey himself, the move
represents a fresh start and a chance to
contribute to a club that has tasted the
ultimate success. After a season marked
by highs and lows at St Kilda, including
injuries that limited his play,
Collingwood provides him with a new
environment and, crucially, a chance to
work alongside his good friend Mitchell.
This clean slate allows him to focus on
his form, health, and development, with
the aim of becoming a crucial piece in
Collingwood’s 2024 puzzle.
A Strategic Signing with Championship Potential.
Collingwood’s decision to bring in
Membrey as a delisted free agent could
very well be one of the defining moves of
the 2024 offseason. His proven track
record, adaptability, and leadership
make him an asset that the club can use
in multiple ways, whether through his
goal-kicking ability, marking strength, or
mentorship qualities. For the Magpie
faithful, Membrey’s signing is a sign of
the club’s ongoing commitment to
retaining the AFL’s top spot.
As pre-season training ramps up, all eyes
will be on how Membrey integrates into
the team, builds chemistry with Mitchell
and others, and potentially becomes a
key player in Collingwood’s quest for
back-to-back premierships. With Mitchell
and Membrey’s friendship bringing an
extra layer of motivation and unity, the
Magpies have every reason to be excited
about their newest recruit.
