MELBOURNE Football Club has surpassed 65,000 members for the first time in the club’s 164-year history.
The club reached the historical milestone on Thursday, capping off an exciting week that also saw premiership midfielder Clayton Oliver put pen to paper on a new seven-year deal.
The rise to 65,000 members has been significant for the Demons, with over 20,000 new members jumping onboard across the past five seasons, and over 10,000 additional members joining in 2022 alone.
The strong support saw the club achieve a pre-AFL Round 1 record and its AFLW membership grow to over 2,000 for the first time.
CEO Gary Pert said the club was excited to see the Demon spirit re-ignited and its membership number at an all-time high.
“We speak a lot about how the Demon Spirit has really been re-ignited over the past couple of years, particularly in the wake of the 2021 AFL premiership, and 65,000 members in an amazing example of this,” Pert said.
“Melbourne is a big club with a long and proud history and it is incredibly exciting to once again see the Melbourne members so proud to be part of this great club.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our members who have jumped onboard to date, their loyalty and support is greatly appreciated by everyone involved at the club.
“I know a huge motivator for our coaches and players this season is about being able to perform in front our members and supporters right across the country.
“Playing in front of a sea of red and blue is something we have really missed over the past couple of seasons and to have people back in the stands has really bought the passion and fun back to the game.
“With two huge AFL home games remaining at the MCG against Carlton and Collingwood, I encourage as many of our 65,000 members as possible to get to the MCG and get behind the boys as we head towards finals.
“We also now have confirmation of our Season 7 AFLW fixture which will see our women take on North Melbourne at ETU Stadium in Port Melbourne for our first home game of the season on Friday 2 September.
"Again, we encourage as many of members as possible to put this date in their diaries and get along to support Mick and the team.”
Melbourne’s membership tally currently sits at 65,472.
