Essendon Football Club is clearly ahead of its Victorian opposition in the membership stakes, according to AFL figures.
As of April 1st, Essendon had a membership of 31,296 - almost 6,000 more than that of its nearest rival Carlton who had 25,500 members.
The Bombers membership as of today stands at 33,334. It is the first time the club has broken through the 30,000 barrier and an increase of more than 5,000 on the 1999 figure.
As of April 1st, Essendon was well ahead of Carlton (25,500), Hawthorn (25,076), Richmond (24,819) and Collingwood (24,070).
The full list of membership figures as of April 1st was:
At the same time last year Essendon had attratced 26,763 members. The figure of April 1st represented an increase of 14.48%.
As of yesterday the club had sold 18,775 annual reserved seats for the 2000 season.
Membership manager Bernadette Dargan said the club was thrilled with the figures.
"It says a lot about Essendon supporters - they are the best in the competition as far as I'm concerned," Dargan said.
"And they support the club in the best way possible - by purchasing memberships. It ensures we remain viable and that they have a quality football side to watch.
"And I'm sure they are getting value for money at the moment. The team is not only winning, but playing entertaining football as well."
Adelaide: 41,867
Brisbane: 19,401
Carlton: 25,500
Collingwood: 24,070
Essendon: 31,296
Fremantle: 23,116
Geelong: 24,064
Hawthorn: 25,076
Kangaroos: 22,442
Melbourne: 15,950
Port Adelaide: 34,837
Richmond: 24,819
St Kilda: 17,038
Sydney: 29,973
West Coast: 38,577
Western Bulldogs: 16,856
