The first time Tim Membrey played an AFL game on Anzac Day, he was wearing a St Kilda jumper and running around in front of just over 12,000 people … across the ditch.
Membrey was 20 years old and in just his fifth AFL game as the Saints lost to Carlton by 40 points. Marc Murphy (34 disposals, 3 Brownlow votes), Lachie Henderson (5 goals) and Tom Bell (4 goals) were dominant.
Exactly 10 years later, now-Magpie Membrey on Friday swapped the Wellington ‘Cake Tin’ for a packed MCG.
“I do remember that … a lot different,” Membrey told foxfooty.com.au after the Magpies’ 41-point win over Essendon.
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“The crowd over there wasn’t 92,000.
“It was a pretty impressive crowd today and it was just great to be a part of.”
Membrey was one of six Collingwood players on Friday that got to experience the Magpies-Bombers Anzac Day game and occasion for the first time.
The prospect of representing the Magpies on such a big occasion like Anzac Day has often been a massive drawcard for rival-club players.
For Membrey, who crossed from St Kilda to Collingwood as a delisted free agent over the off-season, Friday’s win over the Bombers was full of magical moments.
“You can’t explain it, really. To look up there and you hardly see an empty seat in the crowd, it’s pretty crazy,” Membrey said.
“When that national anthem finishes, to be able to hear that roar – that’s what really gets you going and gives you goosebumps.
“It was a big build-up. There was a lot of cool things that we went through throughout the week – we went to the Shrine, we got to meet some really important people. To be able to come out here and play in the big game and get a win like that, it gives me goosebumps.”
Membrey, 30, played a key role in the Magpies’ fast start, booting two of their first five goals as the team skipped out to a handy early lead.
His forward craft and versatility has already been a significant asset for the Pies this season, with nine goals to start his stint at his third club.
“It’s part of the role. You’ve just got to take those opportunities when they come,” he said.
“It wasn’t the best day for forwards, it was pretty slippery. But we just wanted to keep surging the footy and keep creating a contest.
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“They (the Bombers) were pretty strong aerially, but when we were able to bring it to ground we were able to do some damage.”
Membrey late last year had almost given up hope on an AFL lifeline. After being delisted by St Kilda, he had some interest from rival clubs before the Pies moved late in the trade period.
A pre-season and six games into his Collingwood career and Membrey can’t thank the Pies enough.
“It was a change that I look back on now and I’m grateful I made the call to come across,” he said.
“It was just a freshen up to be able to come and play with some greats of the game – I mean some guys like the Daicos boys, they’re just machines.
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“It’s a really well-oiled machine this football club and it’s just great to be part of.”
The Pies will finish Round 7 on top of the AFL ladder after claiming their sixth straight win of the season.
While Membrey remains grounded, he knows his club has set a strong foundation for the back-end of the season.
“That’s what we play footy for, to get to the pointy end of the season,” he said.
“We’re just going to keep doing what we can, we want to keep banking the wins. When we get to that nitty-gritty season, hopefully we’re thereabouts and we’re still playing good footy and still healthy.”
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