“I had some things going on for a while and then being that year just probably came to the tipping point. I just needed to deal with it, and I’m glad I did.
“It just so happened to be a final I missed out. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for that.
“I’m so grateful that I had the support around me and got help, and here I am now.”
Membrey said the magnitude of the final was not significant in him calling out for help.
“It wasn’t just that, if I hadn’t dealt with it then, it would have probably just festered and festered and got worse,” Membrey said.
Loading
“I’m glad I did it when I did it, to be honest. I wish I didn’t come to that point and wish I got onto it earlier, but it just happened when it happened, and, yeah, I missed the out on that final.
“Now I can move forward, and I’ve dealt with that, put that to bed. I’m in a much better space now to play finals footy.”
Membrey, 31, is a veteran of the AFL but not of finals. His only taste of finals came in the COVID-ravaged season of 2020 when the Saints bowed out in the semis to eventual premiers Richmond.
One of the inescapable differences Membrey has noticed at his new club is their history of success.
At St Kilda, he said, players spoke of their passion to be the team that ended a drought that is approaching 60 years, whereas at Collingwood reminders of glory are everywhere; from the 16 V/AFL flags adorning the indoor field and gym at the Magpies’ headquarters, to the club’s museum displaying their premiership cups, hall of fame and memorabilia.
“You just feel that being in this environment that it’s just going to be successful,” Membrey said.
“That’s all they talk about is being successful. You definitely feel that presence when you’re walking into the place.
Loading
“It’s painted all over the walls, in the locker rooms and down the hallways. There’s just photos of moments, games and players that have come from the Pies and just been so successful.
“To be here in this position and going into a finals campaign, it’s exciting that we might get the opportunity to cement ourselves in some history.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
