Membrey got in touch with Riewoldt before he decided on the Saints as his preferred home after leaving the Swans because of a lack of senior opportunities.
The 20-year-old was determined to create a complete picture of the Saints' position before he made the final call.
The St Kilda captain, who is yet to start pre-season training and will head to Sydney this weekend to meet up with the rest of Australia's International Rules squad, said Membrey had made a good first impression.
"He had really impressive questions," Riewoldt told AFL.com.au this week.
"He was talking about the coaching philosophy at the club, the integrity of selection, leadership stuff, how do we measure success being a young group.
"Obviously win-loss this year was pretty difficult but there are still measures of success within that and how did we gauge that.
"He had a lot of really pertinent questions to ask me about the club when we spoke, and he seems like a guy who's really committed to getting the best out of himself, so I'm really excited to work with him."
Nick Riewoldt poised to sign two-year deal
Membrey decided to leave the Swans after Adam Goodes announced he would play on, meaning competition for spots in their star-studded forward line would remain fierce in 2015.
But Riewoldt ended the phone conversation with Membrey impressed with his interest in more than just increased senior opportunities.
He also felt he was able to share knowledge of embarking on a journey with a transitioning club, having been through it himself when he was drafted in 2000.
"I think it's a pretty attractive club for any young player to come to, given the fact that all these young guys are going to come through together and be able to establish themselves and really build something special," he said.
"I was able to talk to that point because I went through it at a similar age to Tim - albeit 14, 15 years ago - but I felt I was in a really good position to be able to articulate exactly what going through that journey is like.
"I think we both got a lot out of that conversation."
And, Riewoldt said Membrey wasn't short of enthusiasm when it came to wanting to work with the Saints' existing forwards.
"He sounds like a guy who's really keen to make an impact and really get his career started," he said.
"It's been tough for him in the role he plays up in Sydney with their wealth of talent in a similar position, so he's very eager."
Membrey is in Canberra on the Saints' four-day emerging leaders camp, which involves their first- to four-year players plus Jack Steven and Shane Savage.
