Essendon has passed the 45,000-member mark in record time and a week ahead of its revised forecast.

Chairman Lindsay Tanner announced the news at this evening’s Annual General Meeting.

“To the incredible members of our great Club, the real backbone of the Club, you should be proud of what we have collectively managed to achieve this year,” he said.

“Your passion for the Essendon Football Club has prevailed against incredible odds.

“Thank you to all of those who have already renewed.  That is a record for this time of year and a really powerful statement by our supporters about the year to come.

“We hope that trend will also be reflected as we move into the early part of next year.

“We all acknowledge we have a huge amount of work to do.  

"There is always uncertainty about how things turn out in football, we all know that from experience.

"But there is a great sense of optimism and excitement around the Club, a great sense of common camaraderie in the playing group and I think real hope for a great 2017 and a great future.”

The Bombers had hoped to reach 40,000 members by Christmas.

They achieved that milestone three weeks ago.

Essendon’s previous best Christmas membership total was 38,000.