Essendon today created a new club membership record and is still hopeful of cracking the 35,000 barrier. As of noon today the Bombers had 34,594 members - surpassing last year's final figure of 34,278. ""It is a fantastic result and we thank every member for their support of the club,"" Essendon membership manager Bernadette Dargan said. ""Obviously this is a great side to watch and members are a real part of their success. We are only two rounds into the season so they have plenty to look forward to in 2001.""

Essendon's membership figures for the past 10 years are:

2000: 34,278

1999: 29,858

1998: 27,099

1997: 28,063

1996: 24,324

1995: 23,833

1994: 19,720

1993: 11,546

1992: 10,034

1991: 11,593