On the back of a stunning breakout season in 2016, mobile forward Tim Membrey has inked a two-year contract extension, tying him to St Kilda until at least the end of 2019.

After overcoming a delayed start to the year due to post-season shoulder surgery, Membrey returned to the senior side in Round 6 and never looked back, booting 44 goals from the final 17 games.

St Kilda Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel, Ameet Bains, said the club was thrilled to secure the services of the highly-rated forward, who reaped the rewards of a dedicated pre-season on the track.

“The club is delighted to secure Tim for a further two years, which will take him up until the end of 2019,” Bains told saints.com.au.

“He obviously had a breakout season this year kicking 44 goals and playing 17 games, which was a reward for his hard work.

“It was obviously disappointing for Tim to undergo a shoulder reconstruction at the end of the 2015 season, but it allowed him to get a lot fitter and as a result his football improved significantly with an improved endurance base.

“At the age of just 22, we still think there is significant room for improvement still left in Tim. So we are delighted that he has locked in with us for at least the next three seasons at the club.”

With champion key forward Nick Riewoldt in the twilight stage of his illustrious career, Membrey is a critical component of an evolving forward line that includes 2015 leading goal kicker Josh Bruce and 2014 No. 1 pick Paddy McCartin.

Bains said Membrey's elite engine, forward craft and accuracy in front of goal provides the Saints attack with a diverse mix inside 50.

“He offers a strong point of difference to both Josh Bruce and Paddy McCartin in terms of being a third tall forward with a strong work rate so he can push up the ground and be a strong outlet for the kick coming out of defence,” Bains said.

“At the same time he has strong forward instincts in terms of his leading patterns, his ability to mark the ball and his accuracy in front of goal makes him a difficult match-up.”

After spending his first two seasons in the AFL at Sydney, Membrey landed at Linen House Centre in search of greener pastures after struggling for opportunities behind Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett and Adam Goodes.

Now, two years after returning to his home state, Membrey has proven himself as a goal kicker in the AFL, finding the greener pastures he searched for.

At September's Trevor Barker Award, Membrey was named St Kilda's Best Emerging Player. He was also the first Saint to be named in the AFL Players Association's best 22 under 22 team.

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Career Snapshot:

Pick No. 46, 2012 National Draft
30 games
53 goals
Career best: Five goals v Melbourne (Round 6, 2016); v Carlton (Round 12, 2016); v Essendon (Round 16, 2016); v Carlton (Round 20, 2016)
St Kilda leading goal kicker 2016