With 21 goals in six matches, Membrey is the Swans reserves’ spearhead, but the 19-year-old hopes to add another dimension to his game in order to push a claim for senior selection.
Speaking to SwansTV ahead of the reserves’ clash with Eastlake in Canberra on Saturday, Membrey said improving his tackling and defensive pressure, as well as maintaining his output in front of goal were his key focuses for the remainder of 2014.
“I think my defensive work is number one for me this year,” he said.
“Although it’s nice to kick goals, I think for me this year to crack into the senior side, defensive pressure is really important.
“I’ve caught up with (forwards coach) Henry Playfair a bit this year and he’s given me a few things to keep working on like being on my toes in the forward line, just really hunting it up and trying to get the footy back.
“Forward 50 tackles are just so important these days, so that’s one thing I just need to keep working on.”
With the likes of Lance Franklin, Adam Goodes, Sam Reid and Kurt Tippett holding down key forward positions at the Swans’ list this season, Membrey has had no shortage of role models to look up to, trying to absorb as much as he could from the key talls both on field and at training to improve his own game.
“I’m learning from the other guys and we do have a pretty ’superstar’ forward line in the seniors, so just mingling with those guys and really being a sponge and soaking up everything they have to say,” Membrey said.
“With Goodesy, it’s just how professional he is on and off the ground.
“I’ve just really tried to build a good relationship with him and I feel like I can talk to him about anything.
“With ‘Buddy’ coming in too, he’s just super powerful and is really good one-on-one and I’ve picked up a few things from him as well.”
With a year of football under his belt, Membrey said he was also keen to work on his leadership skills within the Swans reserves team.
“Coming off my first year, I was reasonably happy with how I went,” he said.
“Now sort of knowing how everything works and what’s expected, I think I’ve really taken everything on board as much as I can.
“I’m getting my hands on the footy, which is good but there are a few things I need to keep on working on like keeping the pressure up, working with the guys around me and just trying to be a leader down there.
“I’m pretty confident in the structures now, so it’s just about teaching the other guys and the Academy guys who come through as well.”
The reserves face Eastlake this Saturday at Manuka Oval following a big 75-point win over UWS last Friday night at ANZ Stadium.
Following the important victory, Membrey said he felt the team was improving with every match.
“We’ve had a really good start to the year,” he said.
“We owed UWS one, so it was good to get one back on them.
“I think the boys are starting to really play some good footy and a lot of the first-year guys are really comfortable with the structures and how everything works now.
“I think the more games we play, the better we’re going to get going.”
