St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says gun ahead Tim Membrey is “blossoming” in his membership return following his shock last-minute withdrawal on the eve of the Saints’ unsuccessful elimination ultimate loss to GWS.
Membrey performed simply seven video games in 2023, as he battled accidents, earlier than he took depart from the membership with a severe private well being subject that caught most on the Saints unexpectedly.
Lyon conceded that it remained a “delicate” scenario however mentioned he’d been buoyed by Membrey’s restoration amid renewed hope the 29-year-old goalkicker may as soon as once more kind a key ahead partnership with famous person Max King.
“He’s in really good shape, he’s blossoming, he feels good and he’s got a lot of support,” Lyon mentioned 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 performed 160 video games, didn’t practice together with his teammates on Wednesday, which was extra concerning the administration of a participant getting into his eleventh season and with a current harm historical past.
Lyon mentioned Membrey was getting again to his “fighting weight” and had been a robust presence through 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 mentioned.
“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 additionally declared King, who additionally performed simply 11 video games final season and returned for the ultimate regardless of needing a 3rd shoulder surgical procedure in lower than 12 months, was “miles ahead” in his restoration.
The 23-year-old will probably be again in full coaching by January and prepared for spherical 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 mentioned.
“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 within the AFL Community Series of pre-season video games earlier than a spherical 1 date with Geelong.
Originally printed as Tim Membrey again thriving at St Kilda after severe private well being subject
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
