St Kilda favourite Tim Membrey makes special return after personal break
St Kilda favourite Tim Membrey has taken his first step to returning to the big time, booting three goals against Essendon in the club's first practice match on Friday.
It's a positive sign for Saints fans, after the veteran withdrew from the club's elimination final loss against the Giants last year.
Membrey was taken out of the line-up that went down to the Giants by 24 points, with St Kilda releasing a statement in September of 2023 confirming he was "receiving appropriate care" for a "personal health matter", meaning Anthony Caminiti received a late call-up.
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Flash forward five months and after a promising pre season, the 29-year-old looked fitter than ever in the 66-point smashing of the Bombers at RSEA park.
Membrey was welcomed back into the side with open arms, as he opened the match with his side's first goal of the match, much to the delight of the large crowd that headed down to Moorabin for the afternoon.
Tim Membrey celebrates a goal with Max King. AFL Photos via Getty Images
It comes after coach Ross Lyon lauded the forward's work rate leading up to the 2024 season.
Lyon confirmed the 29-year-old had dropped four kilograms and "hasn't missed a session" during the pre season, after he was absent from a large chunk of the 2023 season due to multiple injuries.
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"He's in really good shape; he's blossoming, he feels good, and he's got a lot of support," Lyon said back in December.
"He's four kilos lighter and back to his fighting weight, so to speak, with what he's been in previous years."
Tim Membrey booted three goals in a special return. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Lyon also expressed a lighter feel around Membrey's new role within the team, saying his return has been thrilling for the entire club.
"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," Lyon said.
St Kilda will face Geelong in round one of the 2024 season, as the Cats unveiled their new Joel Selwood Stand at GMHBA Stadium, with a crowd of more than 40,000 expected.
