How St Kilda stars heard teammate Tim Membrey was a shock withdrawal from finals due to mental health struggle – as coach updates fans on star’s condition

St Kilda players found out through their wives and girlfriends that star player Tim Membrey was a late omission for their AFL elimination final on Saturday, with some teammates only knowing just before kick-off.

The star striker was a shocking late omission for the Saints elimination final against GWS on Saturday, with players finding out when Membrey’s wife texted some of their partners early in the morning.

Other players were only alerted during an emergency team meeting at 1.30pm, less than two hours before kick-off.

Coach Ross Lyon has provided an update on how the situation played out, saying some of Membrey’s teammates were shocked by the news while refusing to blame the key striker’s absence for the four-goal loss.

Veteran AFL reporter Caroline Wilson said some players were still accepting the news after the match.

‘Membrey’s wife had contacted partners of other players. “Some players hit the ground knowing, but not really knowing, how bad it was,” she said.

“Ross Lyon has made the decision to address the players during their exit interviews today. Some players said it threw them a bit.

“I don’t think they would have won the game, but it hit a number of players who were in shock.”

Membrey had withdrawn late due to personal issues and has been placed under the AFL’s mental health system

Speaking on 3AW, Lyon updated fans on how the Membrey situation had gone and the support given to him, his family and the playing group.

“I got a call from the club doctor at 8.45am… And then I called our GM (of footy) and then our CEO – and I completely understood things,” he said.

“Then it was ‘we’re bringing in (Anthony) Caminiti outside the 26, we need special attention’ – and then you mark (it with the) AFL, Giants – we went that route.

In retrospect, we might have played (Dougal) Howard and Cordy forward to absorb all the information and protect our players. But because we haven’t done that, as soon as there is an oil spill, a press release in the media, a communiqué.

‘And then there is a lot of talking with your group. So I made the decision when everyone arrived (for a meeting) at 1:30 PM. Shared what I could – because that’s what we always do – and then: “Does anyone have any questions we can answer?” he continued.

“And if anyone feels like they’re not up to the challenge, there’s an emergency Ryan Byrnes ready to go because there are people close to the situation. I was just trying to end legitimate conversations that would otherwise have happened.

“One player today said, ‘It’s just a bit confusing trying to figure it out,’ but that was the situation we were in. So unique, no rule book, but just try to be as fair and have the opportunity to reset.

“You can’t quantify what effect (it had)… It wasn’t ideal, but it certainly wasn’t an excuse. Some of those closest to Tim felt it didn’t affect them, such as Seb Ross.

“We had the tools in the palette to pull out, but we weren’t applying them as we should have.”

Lyon said it was difficult to manage players’ emotions on the day and said there was ‘no rule book’ on how to deal with such a difficult situation

Tim Membrey was forced to miss Saturday’s elimination final against GWS due to a serious mental health problem

The playing group were shocked by the Membrey news on the day of their elimination final against GWS

Saints fans have quickly rallied around Membrey with a message of support.

‘It doesn’t matter what colors you wear. I wish Tim Membrey all the best. I hate hearing stories like this. I hope he and his family are doing well,” one person posted.

‘I send my best to Tim Membrey. He has been an important part of the Saints set-up since joining the club. Tim, we love you, we want to see you play football and, most importantly, be happy in life,” another sent to the attacker.

‘Stay strong Tim Membrey. It’s okay to feel this way, you’re a human brother, and this is real, I’ve been there, it’s dark, you feel helpless, just hold your family and friends tight, my friend. They are all you need right now,” was another touching message.

‘All the best, Tim. I am a much loved player and I am sure that when the time is right we will see you again better than ever.’

In a tough encounter without Membrey, the Saints succumbed, falling four goals behind the Giants

Saints assistant coach Lenny Hayes also revealed the effect the shocking news had on the team.

“These kinds of things come as a shock to all of us,” he said.

“In this situation, we really have to respect Tim and what he’s going through.

“He has a mental health problem at the moment that has kind of been brought up, and that’s all I can say out of respect for him.

‘He is currently in good hands and our thoughts are with him. There’s not much more we can say.

“Our thoughts are with Tim, but we talked to all the players about it before the game and tried to stay focused.”

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyondblue 1300 22 4636