St Kilda’s key forward Tim Membrey played just seven games in 2023 as the official AFL record said he was battling a knee injury. But it was a much more insidious struggle, personal and internal, that almost robbed him of more than time on the field.
Saints fans were stunned when Membrey retired late from his knockout final against GWS, a match the highly accomplished Saints ultimately lost to end their season.
Membrey was removed from the Saints line-up just hours before the bounce at the MCG, leaving fans desperately searching for answers, some unfairly blaming him for the defeat.
It turned out there was a lot more going wrong for the tough Saints forward, a tough competitor who never takes a step back on the field.
The black dog of depression had the 29-year-old in its jaws and Membrey has now revealed how serious his struggle with mental illness was.
Tim Membrey was forced to withdraw from St Kilda’s knockout final against GWS last season after an incident involving his mental health forced him to be hospitalised.
Membrey has credited his wife Emily (pictured) for her invaluable support during his battle with mental health issues.
One of the hardest parts of Membrey’s battle was not being there for his young family when they needed him most.
On the day his teammates were preparing for the biggest game of the season, Membrey was taken to hospital by ambulance after an incident at his Melbourne home and placed under triage care.
Now, Membrey choked up talking about his wife Emily and daughters Wren and Beau in his first interview since his world fell apart at the end of the 2023 season.
‘It’s probably the first time I’ve done something like this. “I know there are a lot of questions, but I feel like it’s the right time to share my story,” she said. channel seven.
Membrey admitted he had been dealing with mental health issues for a long time and can now admit he was “putting on a mask” at the club.
“I didn’t know how to deal with what was happening or who to talk to or who to trust,” she said.
‘My wife certainly knew what was going on and was pushing me to get help, but at the same time, push as hard as you want; She didn’t know what to do or how to get help.
“In the end it came down to me having to get over it pretty quickly and thank God I did.”
Without Membrey, St Kilda lost outright to GWS, but it is unlikely their star striker would have been able to do much to stop the “orange tsunami” that came agonizingly close to a grand final.
Membrey returned to training in October and will be ready for the club’s first matchday clash
Membrey now says he is in “a good frame of mind” and returned to training in October with a view to being ready for the first round of the AFL season.
But he said his biggest struggle was fighting his demons when he knew his family needed it too.
“That’s probably been one of the hardest things when I look back on the whole experience with the girls, going through all this, you’re in a headspace and sometimes you’re not really thinking,” Membrey said.
‘For me to now be really well and come out on the other side, Emily has been a great support all my life.
‘I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her, and it’s just amazing. Having our two little girls, Wren and Beau, they are just amazing. I choke a little.
“Coming home every day from the football club and seeing their faces, and whether it’s just lying on the floor, playing with them and laughing, it really makes it all worth it.”
If you are experiencing depression or mental health symptoms, help is available at:
Life line Crisis talk and Crisis text – alternatively call 13 11 14 for this free 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention service throughout Australia
Beyond the blue – call 1300 224 636 for telephone support, information and resources for people suffering from depression or anxiety, or visit their website.