Thousands of fans have flocked to Melbourne Showgrounds for a fun-filled time at Essendon Football Club’s Family Day on Saturday.

Star recruit Dylan Shiel, whose playing number was announced at the event, was amazed by the significant turnout of passionate fans and said the love the club’s devoted supporters have for the players is reciprocated.

“It’s certainly exceeded expectations,” Shiel said.

“It’s incredibly exciting to have so many fans come out and really show the love to the players.

“It’s important that the fans know as well that the players enjoy this just as much.

“Personally, it’s been a great experience and it’s been great to be able to get to know the football club.”

There was a plethora of fun activities for fans of all ages on Saturday, with several rides and a number of exciting sponsor activations at the event alongside the player presentation and long-awaited guernsey number reveal.

Senior coach John Worsfold reverted to his playing roots and joined his team in an hour-and-a-half-long signing session and said it was an “awesome” chance to engage with the fans.

“(It is a) great turn out, everyone looks like they’re excited about meeting the new players and looking forward to the season.

“The players do a great job making themselves available for so long.”

To see a recap of all of the day’s festivities, see the video above.