Essendon coach Mark Thompson has revealed he believes there is a unique connection between the club and its supporters on the eve of the 2014 season.

Thompson, who addressed a crowd on Monday’s Season Launch evening, also passionately renewed his call for supporters to sign up with the club in order to expand the proud Essendon army to 60,000 members.

“This year, more than ever and certainly in the four years that I have been here, you can feel a real connection with our supporters,” Thompson said.

“And I would love for the Essendon family to just get stronger and bigger and for our supporters to be so proud of their team.

“We absolutely appreciate what our supporters do for the club. It’s starting to feel like a real club again.”

Thompson thanked all red and black supporters for their ongoing passion and dedication toward the club

“It would be great if we could grow and show people that we are strong."

"There is a real strength there and I think it is really something to build on.

“This year, we’re going to try and make the club one that you as a supporter are really proud of, and be involved in.”

Essendon will kick off their season opener against North Melbourne on Friday 21 March at Etihad Stadium.

Use the #ProudlyEssendon hashtag to show your support to the players via social media.