Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Collingwood's "masterstoke" delisted free agency move
Lachlan Geleit • March 7th, 2025 9:40 am
Gerard Healy thinks that Collingwood’s move to pick up Tim Membrey as a delisted free agent could prove to be a masterstroke.
The former Saint kicked four goals in his first official hit-out for the Magpies in the huge AAMI Community Series win over Richmond, and Healy thinks his presence could really help Collingwood hit the scoreboard.
“I’m feeling that the recruitment of Tim Membrey may prove to be a masterstroke,” Healy said on SEN Sportsday.
“He could have a really important year.”
Given Membrey came to the club for nothing following his 178 games and 293 goals for St Kilda, Western Bulldogs great Brad Johnson agrees with Healy that the 30-year-old could enjoy a resurgence in the black and white as he attracts the opposition’s third or fourth tall defender.
“He was solid, he did exactly what he had to do,” Johnson said.
“Sometimes that's the question. I think it can take some players time to settle into a new system, and I think for Collingwood, Lachie Schultz was probably evidence of that, just taking a little bit of time to settle in.
“But Tim Membrey has settled straight into his role within that side, and he’ll probably get the third tall at times, so I think that suits him as a player.
“He's smart inside forward 50 and he knows where to find the footy.”
Johnson is also bullish on Collingwood’s Opening Round prospects against GWS, with fellow recruit Dan Houston bolstering an already impressive half-back line.
“They have some good run now from behind the ball as well with (Josh) Daicos, Dan Houston and Isaac Quaynor,” Johnson said.
“If that sticks like that for the remainder of the season, how strong is that half-back line with ball use, speed and power for the Magpies?
“I'm leaning towards the Pies to win this (against GWS), even though their practice match was against Richmond.”
Sunday’s match between GWS and Collingwood begins at 3:20 pm (AEDT) at ENGIE Stadium.
