Essendon Chief Executive Xavier Campbell has told Bomber Radio the Club will seriously consider staging an extra home game at the MCG in the coming seasons.

The Bombers currently host seven matches at Etihad Stadium and four at the MCG.

The Dons posted a record membership tally of more than 67,000 this year, while more than one million fans attended the Club’s matches throughout the home and away season.

Campbell said a number of factors would be considered before a final decision was reached, including potential upgrades to Etihad Stadium.

“We run an annual member survey … when you look at the home ground support, both the MCG and Etihad Stadium are evenly supported,” he said.

“I feel like we need to get to a point where we seriously consider an additional game at the MCG.

“But there are still a lot of discussions with the AFL, the changing landscape at Etihad Stadium with the early buyout and the potential for significant Government funding to improve the experience that should be seriously taken into consideration.

“But an additional game at the MCG does feel like the right way to go.”

Essendon averaged 50,812 at its home games this season, second only to Richmond, which holds ten of its home games at the MCG.

The figures highlight the resilience and passion of a Bombers membership base that has increased by more than 11,000 since 2013.

“Nothing would surprise you when you think of the Essendon supporter base,” Campbell said.

“They have been the most challenged supporter base over the last few years.

“They are by far the most loyal – and I get that I’m biased but I’ve supported Essendon throughout my entire life and I’ve seen the support of the fans throughout that period.

“That is what underpins the strength of the Essendon Football Club. 

“To see the numbers this year is breathtaking really.”