Collingwood has taken a serious interest in out-of-contract St Kilda forward Tim Membrey, with the 30-year-old undergoing a medical assessment at the Magpies on Thursday.
Membrey’s current contract with St Kilda remains in limbo, with no renewal offer on the table, prompting him to explore potential landing spots as the AFL’s delisted free agency period looms next month.
With 179 games and 293 goals to his name, Membrey has been a dynamic and reliable performer in the Saints’ forward line, kicking 30 goals in 2024 with a strong back half of the season.
Collingwood’s recent moves to delist key-position players Nathan Kreuger, Jack Bytel, and Josh Eyre have opened up slots for experienced recruits, a strategy the Magpies hope will deepen their forward ranks and provide crucial support to talls like Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay.
Head of Football Strategy at Collingwood, Justin Leppitsch, acknowledged the team’s focus on adding “battering ram” players to bolster its offensive structure for 2025.
“We’ve got to look after our talls going forward,” Leppitsch stated.
Collingwood’s acquisition strategy in the recent trade period suggests they are all in on their ambition for immediate premiership contention, recently securing All-Australian Dan Houston from Port Adelaide and Harry Perryman as a free agent.
Their limited draft picks at 52, 55, and 58 also indicate a focus on readymade talent over youth development.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have been linked to other experienced players, including St Kilda’s Jack Hayes and Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson, as they seek to add depth in key areas.
As Leppitsch explained, the Magpies are prioritising experienced, physically mature players who can step in immediately to strengthen their chances in the 2025 season.
The delisted free agency window could open doors for Membrey to make the shift.
