Essendon Football Club is excited to announce it has passed the 50,000-member milestone ahead of the club’s season opener against North Melbourne on Friday night.

The milestone marks the earliest point in the season that the Club has ever exceeded 50,000 members with the current tally standing at 50,109 members.

Senior Coach Mark Thompson said the support from fans throughout the pre-season had been inspiring.

“We have been very appreciative of all the support from our members and fans throughout the pre-season at training sessions and club events,” Thompson said.

“I would love to see the Essendon family continue to grow, continue to get stronger and continue to get bigger so we have a supporter base that are really proud of their team.”

“We in return will continue to make sure this is a Club that you feel you belong to and are involved in.”

This year is just the third time the club has passed the 50,000 member mark in its history, previously it happened in the 2011 season and last season.

Make sure you Don the Sash in 2014 and join now with membership starting at just $50 for adults and $25 for juniors.

Interesting facts about our membership base:

•      230 members have been with the club for over 50 years

•      26,373 members have been with the club for over 50 months

•      We have members all over the world including Jamacia, Belarus, Malta and the UAE.

•      There is only one John Smith but 434 Tom’s, 256 Dick’s and 87 Harry’s

•      The most common name is Michael

•      The oldest member is 98 years old with the youngest less than a month old.

•      The longest continuous years of membership is 86.

•      And we have exactly 50 members with the name Don. 

Click here to join the Club’s 50,000 members today with an Adult Beyond the Boundary Digital Membership or a Junior 11 Game Flexi membership from $50.

The Bomber Shop also is offer free postage for purchases over $50 as well as a Men’s Member Hoodie for just $50. Click here to Shop online today.