Essendon Chairman Lindsay Tanner says the Bombers are ‘contenders again’.

Speaking before Saturday’s match against Carlton, Tanner revealed the Club will report a strong profit and pay down a significant portion of debt this season.

“We are committed to our vision to be the most respected, inclusive and successful club in Australian sport," he said.

“We have launched a new strategic plan, 2017 – 2021, the year the Club will celebrate its 150 year anniversary.

“There is more work to be done, in this game, there always is. But there is no finish line.

“We hope our team can make the finals this season – and today’s game against our arch rival is critical to that.

“But whatever happens from here, rest assured … Essendon is a contender again and I’m proud to say, the Bombers are back.”

There was uncertainty surrounding Essendon’s prospects before the start of the season, but as the home and away season enters its final rounds, the Bombers remain in the hunt for a finals spot.

“No one knew how the Comeback Story would unfold,” Tanner said.

“As expected there were twists and turns, ups and downs and the final chapter is yet to be written.

“But no matter how the story ends in 2017, the Club has achieved much to be proud of, on and off the field.

“For our returning players, the chance to enjoy playing footy, and today the chance to keep our finals dream alive.

“For our young players, many who gained so much experience last year, they have continued their upward trajectory.”

Off the field the Club has achieved a record membership tally, league leading attendance rates and significant corporate support. 

“Through it all, our membership base, from Tullamarine to the Tiwi Islands, has remained steadfast,” Tanner said.

“This week, we announced our official record membership total of 67,770 members for the 2017 season.

“And more than 863,000 fans have attended Essendon games this season, the most of any team in the competition, and an average home game attendance of 52,403 with three home games to come. 

“The Club’s commercial support continues to grow, with many new partnerships and sponsorship renewals across the 2017 season, including the extension of our co major partner Fujitsu General for a further five years.

“The loyalty and support of our partners, coteries, First XVIII, past players and Past Chairman during this period will never be underestimated by the Club.”

Essendon’s attention is now turning to growth and a key part of that will be the Club’s push for an AFLW license.

“We hope to expand the Essendon family in coming years to include women’s football with our Two Pathways, One Dream bid for an AFLW licence in 2019 currently before the AFL Commission,” Tanner said.

“Our submission is compelling, unique and based on a commitment to grow the game in remote Northern Territory and on our doorstep in the North West region of Melbourne.

“We will field a VFLW team next season, filling an important pathway gap for female footballers in the region, and providing elite facilities with stage two of the Club’s development at Melbourne Airport to deliver world-class facilities and a dedicated mentoring program for female athletes.”