BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Signs Veteran Forward Tim Membrey on Two-Year Deal
April 16, 2025 – Melbourne, VIC — In a major offseason development, Collingwood Football Club has officially signed veteran forward Tim Membrey on a two-year deal following his delisting from St Kilda. The 30-year-old brings a wealth of AFL experience to the Magpies, having played 179 games and kicked an impressive 293 goals over the course of his career.
The move, announced earlier this week, is seen as a strategic decision by Collingwood to add maturity, depth, and firepower to their forward line after a challenging start to the 2025 AFL season. Membrey’s proven goal-scoring ability, contested marking, and work ethic make him a valuable asset for a Magpies squad looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to GWS in the opening round.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim to the club,” said Collingwood’s football manager Charlie Gardiner. “He’s a highly respected figure in the AFL community with leadership qualities and a strong competitive drive. Tim’s presence will benefit both our forward structure and our younger players who can learn from his experience.”
Membrey’s journey to Collingwood marks a new chapter in a solid AFL career. Originally drafted by the Sydney Swans in 2012, he moved to St Kilda in 2015, where he quickly established himself as a consistent scoring threat and one of the Saints’ most dependable key forwards. Known for his clean hands, contested marking, and leadership both on and off the field, Membrey was a key figure in St Kilda’s lineup over the past decade.
Despite some injury setbacks in recent seasons, including a knee issue that impacted his availability in 2023 and 2024, Membrey has remained a diligent professional and was highly regarded at Moorabbin for his mentoring of younger players. His departure from St Kilda came as part of a broader list shake-up, with the Saints opting to prioritize younger talent in their rebuild phase.
For Collingwood, the signing couldn’t come at a more crucial time. After their 2023 premiership, the Magpies entered 2024 and now 2025 with high expectations, but inconsistency and a spate of injuries have exposed vulnerabilities in their forward setup. With Dan McStay recovering from long-term injury and Brody Mihocek bearing the bulk of the scoring load, Membrey’s inclusion adds much-needed depth and flexibility.
Head coach Craig McRae has expressed confidence that Membrey can have an immediate impact. “Tim’s game awareness and ability to read the play make him a natural fit in our system,” McRae said. “He’s already integrating well with the group and we’re excited to see what he brings in the coming rounds.”
In addition to his on-field role, Membrey is expected to take on a mentoring position for emerging forwards like Reef McInnes and Ash Johnson, helping to accelerate their development as part of the club’s long-term vision.
As the Magpies regroup following their opening-round defeat, all eyes will be on how Membrey settles into the black and white and whether his addition can help steer the club back on course toward another finals campaign. For Collingwood fans, the signing brings fresh hope and a reminder that experience and leadership still have a vital role to play in AFL success.