Tim Membrey’s profitable return from damage has raised St Kilda’s hopes of locking in an AFL finals berth because the race for top-eight spots goes all the way down to the wire.
Membrey booted 34 majors final 12 months in a fruitful mixture with Max King, who led the membership’s goal-kicking with 52.
But damage setbacks for each gamers meant the Saints’ prime attacking targets had not performed collectively in any respect this season till final Sunday’s necessary 36-point win over Richmond.
King booted an equal career-high six objectives towards the Tigers in his second recreation again from a shoulder damage, whereas Membrey pushed additional up the bottom and completed with 15 disposals.
The 29-year-old Membrey missed the beginning of the season with a knee damage and made 4 appearances earlier than being subbed out of the round-nine loss to Adelaide with the same concern.
The second knee damage stored him sidelined for 3 months as inexperienced trio Mitch Owens, Anthony Caminiti and Mattaes Phillipou crammed the void.
“Timmy works so hard, he’s got a huge tank and you see him flying up and down the wing,” Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall instructed AAP.
“His leading patterns help Max and all the other forwards, so it’s really pleasing to have Timmy back.
“It’s good to have a little bit of expertise down there as nicely.
“We’ve had a young forward line all year and they’ve done a great job under a fair bit of duress at times.
“For (King and Membrey) to return again and present actual management is pleasant.”
The pair will aim to continue rebuilding chemistry in St Kilda’s high-stakes home clash with Geelong on Saturday night before an interstate trip to face the Brisbane Lions in round 24.
After a four-match winning run to open the season, the Saints have battled inconsistency for most of the campaign.
But victory in either of the final two home-and-away rounds would likely seal a finals berth in Ross Lyon’s first year back at the helm.
“If we transfer the ball nicely, like we did towards Richmond, then we all know we have simply acquired to carry effort each week,” Marshall mentioned.
“If we carry effort, then we all know that our system stacks up towards anybody.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
