CEO Gary Pert has thanked Melbourne’s members for their loyalty in 2020.

Speaking on the Inside Melbourne podcast, Pert said the Demons had been overwhelmed by the incredible support, which has seen the vast majority remain on board throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“We thank our members, who have been amazingly loyal this year,” he said.

“Our players regularly ask: ‘How are the supporters and members handling this?’ and they love it when we say that they’re staying loyal, they’re being so positive.

“We’ve had far more calls from supporters and members saying: ‘How do I help?’, than we have saying: ‘I’ve got a problem’.

“They’ve been quite amazing.”

The support of the Melbourne faithful has been felt through the entire club, with everyone from the Board to the administration staff revelling in their passion.

But as the club now comes to terms with the financial impact of the crisis, the backing of both members and supporters is more important than ever.

“Membership is the key,” Pert said.

“Our business model in Australia with AFL is [we’re] a members’-owned club – we don’t have a billionaire private owner like in the UK and America.

“We rely on our members, so the clubs with the biggest, most secure and stable membership, they’re going to weather this over the next few years.

“Our members have been so loyal and have been amazing, but we sit in a realm of somewhere between 40,000 and 50,000 members.

“We’re seeing clubs in the 80,000, 90,000 and getting to 100,000 members – that’s a big impact on your business model, your stability, and whether you’re going to need assistance from the AFL or not.”

The Demons will seek financial aid from the league’s governing body, in an attempt to navigate its way through the ongoing challenges.

Melbourne will recommence its 2020 campaign on Saturday 13 June, taking on Carlton at Marvel Stadium.

To get on board this season, please click here.