Tim Membrey back thriving at St Kilda after serious personal health issue

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says gun forward Tim Membrey is “blossoming” in his club return following his shock last-minute withdrawal on the eve of the Saints’ unsuccessful elimination final loss to GWS.

Membrey played just seven games in 2023, as he battled injuries, before he took leave from the club with a serious personal health issue that caught most at the Saints by surprise.

Lyon conceded that it remained a “delicate” situation but said he’d been buoyed by Membrey’s recovery amid renewed hope the 29-year-old goalkicker could once again form a key forward partnership with superstar Max King.

“He’s in really good shape, he’s blossoming, he feels good and he’s got a lot of support,” Lyon said of Membrey on Wednesday.

“I think that’s the beauty and there’s no stigma. It’s more complicated than it just seems, so we’re thrilled with where he’s at.”

Membrey, who has played 160 games, didn’t train with his teammates on Wednesday, which was more about the management of a player entering his 11th season and with a recent injury history.

Lyon said Membrey was getting back to his “fighting weight” and had been a strong presence during the pre-season.

“As you get older you get (a bit of) wear and tear, so he’s managed today but he basically hasn’t missed a session,” Lyon said.

“He’s four kilos lighter and back to his sort of fighting weight, so to speak, with what he’s been in previous years.

“We’re really expecting that he can really deliver and he’s been a real leader here for a long time.”

Lyon also declared King, who also played just 11 games last season and returned for the final despite needing a third shoulder surgery in less than 12 months, was “miles ahead” in his recovery.

The 23-year-old will be back in full training by January and ready for round 1.

“The surgeon was pretty conservative and he didn’t run for seven weeks (post-surgery), but he’s really up and moving now,” Lyon said.

“He’s certainly had no hiccups and if you think first session last year he dislocated the shoulder and went in for the (operation).

“He’s miles ahead and he’ll be in full training post-Christmas.”

The Saints have been fixtured to play North Melbourne in the AFL Community Series of pre-season games before a round 1 date with Geelong.