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St Kilda key forward Tim Membrey played just seven matches in 2023 as the official AFL record said he was battling a knee injury. But it was a far more insidious, personal and internal struggle that almost stole more from him than time on the field.

Saints fans were left stunned when Membrey was a late withdrawal from their elimination final against GWS, a match the over-achieving Saints ultimately lost to end their season.

Membrey was taken out of the Saints’ line-up just hours before the bounce at the MCG leaving fans desperately seeking answers, some unfairly blaming him for the loss.

It turned out there was far more going wrong for the rugged Saints forward, a hard competitor who never takes a backward step on the field.

The black dog of depression had the 29-year-old in its jaws and Membrey has now revealed just how bad his struggle with mental illness became.

Tim Membrey was forced to withdraw from St Kilda's elimination final against GWS last season after an incident related to his mental health saw him hospitalised

Tim Membrey was forced to withdraw from St Kilda’s elimination final against GWS last season after an incident related to his mental health saw him hospitalised

Membrey has credited his wife Emily (pictured) for her invaluable support during his battle with mental health issues

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 the most

One of the hardest parts of Membrey’s battle was not being there for his young family when they needed him the most

On the day his teammates were preparing for their biggest game of the season, Membrey was taken to hospital by ambulance after an incident at his Melbourne home and placed under the care of triage.

Now, Membrey has choked up while talking about his wife Emily and daughters Wren and Beau in his first interview since his world came crashing down at the end of the 2023 season. 

‘It’s probably the first time I’ve done something like this. I know there’s plenty of questions but I feel it’s the right time to share my story,’ he told Channel Seven.

Membrey conceded he had been dealing with mental health issues for a long time and can now admit he was ‘putting a mask on’ at the club.

‘I didn’t know how to deal with what I was going through or who to speak to or who to trust,’ he said.

‘My wife certainly knew what was going on and she was pushing me to get help but at the same time, push as hard as you want — I didn’t know what to do or how to get help. 

‘Ultimately it just came down to I had to get on top of it pretty quickly and thank god I did.’

Without Membrey, St Kilda lost emphatically to GWS but it is unlikely their star forward could have done much to halt the 'Orange Tsunami' that came agonisingly close to a grand final

Without Membrey, St Kilda lost emphatically to GWS but it is unlikely their star forward could have done much to halt the ‘Orange Tsunami’ that came agonisingly close to a grand final 

Membrey returned to training in October and will be ready for the club's round one clash

Membrey returned to training in October and will be ready for the club’s round one clash

Membrey now says he is in ‘a pretty good headspace’ and returned to training in October with a view to be ready for round one of the AFL season.

But he said his biggest struggle was fighting his demons when he knew his family needed him as well. 

‘That’s probably been one of the toughest things when I look back on the whole experience is with the girls, going through it all, you just get yourself in a headspace and you’re not really thinking at times,’ Membrey said.

‘For me now to be really well and coming out the other side, Emily’s been a great support my whole life really.

‘I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her, and she’s just unbelievable. To have our two little girls Wren and Beau — they’re just amazing. I just get a little bit choked up a bit.

‘To come home every day from the footy club and to see their faces, and whether it’s just laying on the ground, playing with them and having a laugh, it really does make all this stuff worthwhile.’

If you are experiencing depression or mental health symptoms, help is available at: 

Lifeline Crisis Chat and Crisis Text – alternatively call 13 11 14 for this free, 24-hour Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service

Beyond Blue – call 1300 224 636 for telephone support, information and resources for people dealing with depression or anxiety, or visit their website.

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Post sourceDaily mail

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