Chairman Lindsay Tanner says the Club enters 2017 with ‘great hope’, but remains aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

Tanner addressed more than 500 fans at the Bombers Members Forum last night.

Essendon's membership is at a record level for this time of the year, but Tanner said the Club wasn't getting ahead of itself.

“Everyone at the Club is tremendously excited as we move into 2017 and back to something resembling football normality,” Tanner said.

“We’ve had a testing and trying 2016.  We’ve managed to come through that with flying colours and the credit for that is due as much to all of you and the people watching at home – the Essendon faithful – as it is the playing group, the staff, the administration, the board. 

“Collectively we have all passed a giant character test.

“We move into 2017 now with great hope and with great optimism about how we will perform on-field. 

“But we shouldn’t overlook the fact that we still have significant challenges to meet.” 

Tanner said the reintegration of the returning players and ensuring a stable financial future were among the most pressing matters for the Club. 

“They will require the same level of dedication, discipline and commitment that everyone has shown to get us through 2016 to where we ultimately sit today, with a great platform for success moving into the future,” Tanner said.