Tim Membrey's successful return from injury has raised St Kilda's hopes of locking in an AFL finals berth as the race for top-eight spots goes down to the wire.
Membrey booted 34 majors last year in a fruitful combination with Max King, who led the club's goal-kicking with 52.
But injury setbacks for both players meant the Saints' prime attacking targets had not played together at all this season until last Sunday's important 36-point win over Richmond.
King booted an equal career-high six goals against the Tigers in his second game back from a shoulder injury, while Membrey pushed further up the ground and finished with 15 disposals.
The 29-year-old Membrey missed the start of the season with a knee injury and made four appearances before being subbed out of the round-nine loss to Adelaide with a similar issue.
The second knee injury kept him sidelined for three months as inexperienced trio Mitch Owens, Anthony Caminiti and Mattaes Phillipou filled the void.
"Timmy works so hard, he's got a huge tank and you see him flying up and down the wing," Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall told AAP.
"His leading patterns help Max and all the other forwards, so it's really pleasing to have Timmy back.
"It's good to have a bit of experience down there as well.
"We've had a young forward line all year and they've done a great job under a fair bit of duress at times.
"For (King and Membrey) to come back and show real leadership is pleasing."
The pair will aim to continue rebuilding chemistry in St Kilda's high-stakes home clash with Geelong on Saturday night before an interstate trip to face the Brisbane Lions in round 24.
After a four-match winning run to open the season, the Saints have battled inconsistency for most of the campaign.
But victory in either of the final two home-and-away rounds would likely seal a finals berth in Ross Lyon's first year back at the helm.
"If we move the ball well, like we did against Richmond, then we know we've just got to bring effort every week," Marshall said.
"If we bring effort, then we know that our system stacks up against anyone."
