Collingwood Signs Tim Membrey as Delisted Free Agent Amid Friendship with Tom Mitchell
In a move that has caught the attention of both AFL pundits and fans, Collingwood Football Club has announced the signing of Tim Membrey, the highly regarded forward from St Kilda, as a delisted free agent. This acquisition is not only notable for Membrey’s abilities on the field but also due to the strong personal connection he shares with fellow Magpies player, Tom Mitchell. This friendship, formed over several years, played a significant role in Membrey’s decision to join the Magpies, a team that has been in the spotlight for its rapid rise in recent seasons.
Background and Career of Tim Membrey
Tim Membrey, a forward known for his exceptional marking ability and goal-scoring prowess, has been a consistent performer in the AFL since debuting with St Kilda in 2014. Membrey, originally from New South Wales, was drafted by the Saints with pick No. 46 in the 2013 AFL Draft. Despite the initial challenges of adapting to AFL, Membrey quickly made his mark with his outstanding contested marking and ability to kick goals from difficult angles.
Over the years, Membrey developed into one of the most reliable and versatile forwards in the league. In 2022, he finished as St Kilda’s leading goal kicker with 42 goals, showing that he had firmly established himself as a key part of the club’s attack. Throughout his career at St Kilda, he became known not just for his on-field contributions but also for his professionalism and leadership in the locker room.
However, in a surprise twist during the 2024 AFL offseason, Membrey was delisted by St Kilda as part of the club’s wider list management strategy. This move raised eyebrows within the AFL community, as Membrey was seen as one of the Saints’ more consistent performers. Despite his delisting, his AFL experience, leadership qualities, and ability to impact the scoreboard made him an attractive option for other clubs, with Collingwood seizing the opportunity to recruit him.
Collingwood’s Interest and Strategy
Collingwood, one of the AFL’s most successful and iconic clubs, has been on an upward trajectory in recent years. Under the guidance of head coach Craig McRae, the Magpies have become one of the most exciting teams to watch, reaching the 2023 AFL Grand Final and narrowly losing to the powerful Brisbane Lions. Collingwood’s rise has been built on a combination of strong team defense, midfield depth, and dynamic forward pressure.
However, one area where the Magpies have faced some challenges is in their forward line. Despite the presence of high-quality players like Jamie Elliott, Brody Mihocek, and the exciting young talent in Ollie Henry, Collingwood’s forward structure has sometimes appeared unbalanced. The team needed a reliable forward who could not only take contested marks but also provide a strong presence near the goals. Membrey, with his proven track record of goal-scoring and strong hands in marking contests, was seen as an ideal fit to complement Collingwood’s attacking setup.
Collingwood’s strategy in signing Membrey as a delisted free agent was primarily driven by the desire to strengthen their forward line depth. Unlike some of the club’s previous acquisitions, which were often focused on younger, unproven talent, Membrey brings a wealth of experience and leadership. His presence in the forward half could offer a more seasoned head to guide the younger players, such as Henry and draftee Charlie Dean, through the rigors of AFL competition.
The Tom Mitchell Connection
One of the most compelling elements of Tim Membrey’s decision to join Collingwood is his longstanding friendship with Tom Mitchell. The two players have known each other since their early days in the AFL and have maintained a close bond both on and off the field. This personal connection was one of the key factors in Membrey’s decision to leave St Kilda and join the Magpies.
Mitchell, who has been with Collingwood since 2022 after his move from Hawthorn, has had a transformative impact on the club’s midfield since arriving. Known for his ability to win contested ball and his leadership on the field, Mitchell has been one of the Magpies’ most influential players. His friendship with Membrey is well-documented, with the two often sharing training tips, attending each other’s milestone games, and supporting one another through the highs and lows of their AFL careers.
The connection between Membrey and Mitchell goes beyond mere friendship. The pair have a strong mutual respect for each other’s footballing ability, and their bond has translated into numerous discussions about their respective teams. Over the years, Mitchell had often spoken to Membrey about the strong culture at Collingwood and the team’s direction under coach McRae. Membrey, who had already been considering a fresh start after being delisted, found Mitchell’s encouragement to be a deciding factor in his decision to join the Magpies.
This move to Collingwood allows Mitchell and Membrey to continue their AFL careers together and potentially create a formidable on-field partnership. Mitchell’s ball-winning ability and Membrey’s forward presence could prove to be a potent combination, particularly in critical moments of close games where Membrey’s leadership and composure could shine.
The Impact on Collingwood’s Forward Line
With the signing of Tim Membrey, Collingwood now has a more dynamic and experienced forward line. While Membrey is expected to slot in as a key forward, his versatility means he can also play a role as a third forward or as a target in the middle third of the ground. His ability to play both a traditional key forward role and a mobile, high-marking forward allows coach McRae to experiment with different forward structures and setups.
Membrey’s arrival also allows Collingwood to free up other players in the forward half. Brody Mihocek, who has been one of the club’s most reliable forwards, will benefit from Membrey’s presence, as it provides him with more opportunities to play a secondary role. Mihocek, who has been tasked with leading the forward line in recent years, can now operate in a more flexible capacity, working in tandem with Membrey to create mismatches in the opposition’s defense.
Membrey’s leadership qualities are expected to be invaluable for the younger players in Collingwood’s forward line. In particular, the likes of Ollie Henry, who has shown immense potential but still has room to grow, will benefit from the experience and wisdom that Membrey brings. The combination of youth and experience in the forward line should provide Collingwood with greater attacking potency and flexibility.
Membrey’s Role in Collingwood’s Premiership Aspirations
Collingwood’s premiership aspirations are firmly in focus for 2024, and the signing of Membrey is seen as a key move to help the team achieve that ultimate goal. While Collingwood’s midfield and defensive units have been their backbone in recent seasons, the forward line has sometimes lacked the consistency needed to convert pressure into goals.
Membrey’s accuracy and ability to take strong marks in contested situations will be vital in games where the ball may be in dispute or the team needs a reliable forward to capitalize on opportunities. His ability to work in tandem with players like Elliott and Mihocek, both of whom are known for their forward pressure and goal-scoring instinct, will be crucial for the Magpies in high-stakes games.
In addition, Membrey’s leadership in the forward line will allow the team to remain calm in crucial moments. His ability to convert difficult chances and lead by example will be important as Collingwood looks to build on their impressive 2023 season and go one step further in 2024.
A Change of Environment for Membrey
For Tim Membrey, the decision to leave St Kilda and join Collingwood marks a significant change in both environment and team culture. Having spent a decade at the Saints, Membrey was one of the most respected figures within the club, but he had always expressed a desire to play in an environment that would challenge him and give him the opportunity to contend for a premiership.
While Membrey’s time at St Kilda was marked by strong individual performances, the club’s lack of consistent finals success meant that he was never truly able to test himself in the heat of premiership contention. Collingwood, with its strong culture and recent success, represents the type of environment that Membrey believes will bring out the best in him and help him achieve the ultimate goal of AFL success.
The change of scenery should also allow Membrey to refocus his career and take on a new challenge. Moving to a new club brings fresh opportunities, and Membrey will no doubt relish the chance to play under the guidance of McRae and contribute to the Magpies’ premiership ambitions.
Conclusion
Tim Membrey’s decision to sign with Collingwood as a delisted free agent is a significant development for both the player and the club. His addition to the Magpies adds depth, experience, and leadership to an already potent forward line, and his strong friendship with Tom Mitchell has been a key factor in his decision to make the move.
As Collingwood continues its pursuit of AFL premiership glory, Membrey’s skillset and leadership will be crucial in helping the club achieve its goals. For Membrey, this represents a fresh start and the opportunity to play in a team that is aiming for greatness. The combination of his on-field abilities and off-field connections with players like Mitchell promises to be a powerful addition to Collingwood’s roster, making the 2024 season one to watch for Magpies fans.
