Collingwood has expressed serious interest in out-of-contract St Kilda forward Tim Membrey, who will undergo a medical screening at the Magpies on Thursday.
Membrey’s current contract with St Kilda is in limbo, with no renewal offer on the table, causing him to look into potential new opportunities as the AFL’s delisted free agency period approaches next month.
Membrey has played 179 games and scored 293 goals for the Saints, kicking 30 goals in 2024 thanks to a strong second half of the season.
Collingwood’s recent decisions to release key players Nathan Kreuger, Jack Bytel, and Josh Eyre have freed up spots for experienced recruits, a tactic the Magpies hope will strengthen their forward lines and provide crucial support to talls like Brody Mihocek and Dan McStay.
Collingwood’s Head of Football Strategy, Justin Leppitsch, highlighted the team’s aim on signing “battering ram” players to enhance its offensive framework in 2025.
“We’ve got to look after our talls going forward,” Leppitsch said.
Collingwood’s recent trade plan implies they are fully committed to imminent premiership contention, having just signed All-Australian Dan Houston from Port Adelaide and Harry Perryman as a free agent.
Their limited draft picks (52, 55, and 58) clearly suggest a preference for preexisting talent over young development.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have been connected with other veteran players, like as St Kilda’s Jack Hayes and Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson, as they look to add depth in critical positions.
As Leppitsch noted, the Magpies are looking for seasoned, physically mature players who can jump in right away to boost their chances in the 2025 season.
Membrey could take advantage of the delisted free agency opportunity to make the move.