
Tim Membrey: The Skunk’s Journey from Saint to Magpie
AFL fans love a good nickname, and few are as distinctive as “Skunk.” But Tim Membrey is more than just a memorable moniker – he’s a 190‑centimetre forward who has quietly built a career that now stretches past 190 games and 300 goals. Here’s how the man from Gippsland went from Saint to Magpie, and what makes him one of the league’s most reliable targets.
Height: 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) ·
Weight: 89 kg (196 lb) ·
Current club: Collingwood Magpies ·
Nickname: Skunk ·
Debut: 2014 (Sydney Swans)
Quick snapshot
- Born 26 May 1994 in Traralgon, Victoria (AFL Tables)
- Three‑time St Kilda leading goalkicker (St Kilda Football Club)
- Moved to Collingwood as a free agent in 2025 (Collingwood FC)
- Exact origin of “Skunk” nickname – may relate to hairstyle or playing style, but unconfirmed
- Contract details and salary figures are not publicly available
- Specific injury timeline is limited to general updates
- Personal life (e.g. wife’s name, marriage date) is not reported
- Exact number of AFL games played – while often reported above 190, no single authoritative source provides a current verified count
- Precise career goals total – quoted figures such as “over 300” lack a single definitive source; AFL Tables data is intermittent
- 2012: Drafted by Sydney Swans with pick 37 (Sydney Swans)
- 2014: AFL debut for Sydney Swans (AFL Tables)
- 2016: Traded to St Kilda (St Kilda FC)
- 2025: Joined Collingwood as free agent (Collingwood FC)
Nine key data points about Tim Membrey, all drawn from official sources:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Timothy Joel Membrey |
| Date of birth | 26 May 1994 |
| Place of birth | Traralgon, Victoria, Australia |
| Height | 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 89 kg (196 lb) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current club | Collingwood Magpies |
| Debut | 2014 (Sydney Swans) |
| Nickname | Skunk |
Why is Membrey called skunk?
Origin of the nickname
- Tim Membrey is widely known as “Skunk” in AFL circles (Collingwood FC).
- Collingwood officially refers to him as “The Skunk” in social media posts (Collingwood Facebook).
- The exact origin is not officially documented – reported possibilities include a distinctive hairstyle or his energetic playing style.
Usage in media and fan culture
- The nickname appears in club merchandise and fan chants.
- St Kilda’s own feature called it the “Skunk‑hundred” moment (St Kilda FC).
Everyone calls him Skunk, yet no one has nailed down why. That ambiguity may actually strengthen the nickname – it becomes part of the player’s legend, not just a label.
Where is Tim Membrey from?
Birthplace and early life
- Born on 26 May 1994 in Traralgon, Victoria (AFL Tables).
- Grew up in the Gippsland region.
Junior football career
- Played for Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup and represented Vic Country (Sydney Swans).
- Kicked 54 goals at TAC Cup level in 2012 (Sydney Swans).
- Drafted by Sydney Swans with pick 37 in the 2012 AFL Draft (Sydney Swans).
The pattern: Membrey’s junior career was already pointing toward AFL – dominant goal‑kicking numbers at TAC Cup level, state representation, and a high draft pick. Gippsland Power consistently produces forwards, and Membrey is one of its notable graduates.
How tall is Tim Membrey?
Physical measurements
Standing 190 cm and weighing 89 kg (AFL Tables).
Playing style and position
- Plays as a key forward, known for strong marking and accurate goal‑kicking (Sydney Swans).
- Described as an “outstanding overhead mark” and a “long, accurate kick for goal” (Sydney Swans).
Membrey’s height‑to‑weight ratio fits the modern AFL forward archetype – tall enough to contest marks, yet mobile enough to lead up the ground. That combination has allowed him to remain a consistent goalkicker across three clubs.
The trade-off: his focus on leading patterns means he relies on midfield delivery rather than crumbing, making him most effective when the team is on top.
What are Tim Membrey’s career stats?
Games and goals summary
- Has played over 190 games and kicked more than 300 goals in the AFL (figures widely reported but exact totals unverified by a single authoritative source).
- Ranks among the top 602 for games and top 161 for goals in VFL/AFL history (AFL Tables).
Club‑by‑club breakdown
- Sydney Swans (2014‑2015): 13 games, 15 goals.
- St Kilda Saints (2016‑2024): 180 games, 293 goals.
- Collingwood Magpies (2025‑): First season in progress; kicked 32 goals as of mid‑2025 (Collingwood FC).
Season highlights
- Three‑time St Kilda leading goalkicker (2020, 2021, 2022) (St Kilda FC).
- Stand‑in captain for St Kilda in 2024 (St Kilda FC).
What this means: Membrey’s goal‑kicking consistency – particularly his three‑year run as St Kilda’s top scorer – places him among the most reliable forwards of his generation. His move to Collingwood hasn’t slowed that output.
What is the latest news about Tim Membrey?
Move to Collingwood in 2025
- Joined Collingwood as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season (Collingwood FC).
- Wears number 28 for the Magpies (Collingwood FC).
- Played his first game in black and white against GWS Giants in March 2025 (Collingwood FC).
Nearing 200th game
- Approaching 200 AFL games in 2025, a milestone noted by multiple outlets (ESPN).
- Quoted as saying, “I feel as good as I’ve ever been” (ESPN).
Injury and form updates
- No major injuries reported during 2025 season; consistently playing key forward role.
- Reported to be in strong form, with 32 goals in his first season at Collingwood.
The catch: At 30 years old, Membrey is entering the latter phase of his career, but his performance data suggests he still has the output of a prime‑age forward. Collingwood’s confidence in him as a free‑agent pickup indicates they see his value extending beyond the current season.
Timeline: Key milestones in Tim Membrey’s career
- 2012: Drafted by Sydney Swans with pick 37 (Sydney Swans)
- 2014: AFL debut for Sydney Swans (AFL Tables)
- 2016: Traded to St Kilda Saints
- 2020‑2022: Three consecutive seasons as St Kilda’s leading goalkicker (St Kilda FC)
- 2024: Served as stand‑in captain for St Kilda (St Kilda FC)
- 2025: Moved to Collingwood Magpies as a free agent (Collingwood FC)
- 2025 (mid‑season): Approaching 200th AFL game; feels “as good as I’ve ever been” (ESPN)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Birthdate: 26 May 1994 (AFL Tables)
- Height/Weight: 190 cm / 89 kg (AFL Tables)
- Clubs: Sydney Swans, St Kilda Saints, Collingwood Magpies
- Nickname “Skunk” widely used by fans and media (Collingwood FC)
- Three‑time St Kilda leading goalkicker (St Kilda FC)
What’s unclear
- Exact origin of nickname “Skunk” (unconfirmed)
- Contract details and salary figures
- Injury specifics beyond general updates
- Personal life details (wife, marriage status)
- Precise games count (above 190 but exact figure unverified)
- Career goals total (often cited as over 300, no single authoritative source)
Quotes
I feel as good as I’ve ever been.
Tim Membrey, speaking to ESPN in 2025 about approaching his 200th game
The Skunk is in. Our new number 28, Tim Membrey, will play his first game in black and white this Sunday against the GWS Giants.
Collingwood Football Club, via Facebook (March 2025)
Tim Membrey’s career arc – from a high‑draft‑pick junior to a three‑club stalwart – shows that consistent goal‑kicking and a strong work ethic can outlast initial hype. For a player who once sat behind established forwards at Sydney, the move to Collingwood in his 30s represents a second wind. For Collingwood, the bet is that “Skunk” can still deliver the 30‑goal seasons that make a forward line dangerous.
en.wikipedia.org, vfl.aflmstats.com, wheeloratings.com, collingwoodfc.com.au, instagram.com, facebook.com
Frequently asked questions
What position does Tim Membrey play?
He plays as a key forward (full‑forward or centre half‑forward).
How many goals has Tim Membrey kicked in his career?
Over 300 goals in the AFL, though exact count varies by source. (AFL Tables)
When did Membrey move to Collingwood?
He joined Collingwood as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season.
What is Tim Membrey’s jersey number?
He wears number 28 for Collingwood (Collingwood FC).
Has Tim Membrey won any individual awards?
He was St Kilda’s leading goalkicker in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and served as stand‑in captain in 2024 (St Kilda FC).
What is Tim Membrey’s playing style?
A strong‑marking forward who leads hard and kicks accurately from set shots (Sydney Swans).
Is Tim Membrey related to any other AFL players?
No known AFL relatives.