Essendon has broken through the 60,000-member mark and is on track to set a new membership record.

The Club's membership tally is more than 8,500 ahead of the same time last year and the 60,000-member mark was reached nearly 100 days quicker than any previous occasion.

The Bombers reached the landmark milestone on the eve of their round one blockbuster against Hawthorn with more than 80,000 fans expected to attend the match.

“It’s a tremendously exciting time for the Club,” Chief Executive Xavier Campbell said.

“Membership renewals have been strong throughout the last few months and we targeted 60,000 by round one.

“To achieve that mark speaks volumes about the members’ resilience, loyalty and excitement for what lies ahead.

“On Saturday night we’ll welcome back a number of returning stars and also unveil our number one draft pick.

“We’re entering our most exciting period in years and the strength of the membership base is testament to that.”

Renewal rates are at 84 per cent as the Bombers Comeback Story continues to gather momentum. 

Essendon’s highest final membership tally (61,317) was recorded in 2015.