St Kilda forward Tim Membrey has been ruled out of Saturday’s elimination final against Greater Western Sydney due to a personal health matter.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the Saints said that Membrey would be replaced by Anthony Caminiti in the side for the clash at the MCG.
St Kilda forward Tim Membrey.Credit: Getty Images
Caminiti was not listed as an emergency, but the AFL has granted permission for him to come into the side.
“St Kilda Football Club has this morning confirmed with the AFL and the GWS Giants the late omission of Tim Membrey for today’s elimination final,” the statement said.
“Membrey is currently receiving appropriate care and treatment due to a personal health matter.
“He will be replaced in the side by Anthony Caminiti.
“Tim’s health and wellbeing is our primary concern and the club asks that Tim and the Membrey family’s privacy is respected at this time.
“The club will not be making any further comment as it focuses on the match later today.”
The 29-year-old Membrey had returned for St Kilda’s final three home-and-away matches after overcoming a knee injury, kicking three goals in the round-24 loss to the Brisbane Lions.
The experienced forward had been poised to line up in attack alongside fellow tall Max King for just the third time this season, and was about to play in a final series for just the second time in his decade-long career.
A crowd of more than 65,000 is expected for St Kilda’s first September appearance in Melbourne for 12 years.
The winner of the St Kilda-GWS clash will play the loser of Saturday night’s qualifying final between the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide in a semi-final next week.
