Essendon Chairman David Evans has outlined his vision for the future at the Club's 139^th Annual General Meeting tonight.

In his address to members, Evans said by creating a professional environment that demanded excellence, the Club was well positioned for future success both on and off the field.

“I am as confident as ever that this football club is on the verge of something special,” Evans said.

“Although winning is a key measure of our success, it is as much about creating an environment where our club continues to be professional, demanding of excellence and creating a culture where our football program is seen as the benchmark for our peers.

“We want to see over 50,000 Essendon members in 2013 and every coach, player, administrator and supporter must now unite together behind our team and do whatever it takes to drive our club forward.”

Evans also said the Essendon Board would not support further equalisation if the AFL's plans included additional taxes on the Club. 

“Our Club is already taxed heavily and we won't be taxed anymore - as long as I am in this role as Chairman, I will ensure that further taxes on clubs like Essendon do not ensue,” Evans said.

“The AFL will continue to grow and prosper if clubs like Essendon are free to innovate our offering; grow and invest in our membership, invest in our football program and innovate the way we engage our fans and continue to invest in the community.

“Further taxes don’t incentivise excellence and innovation - it is a bad model to grow the game.”

In addition, long-standing volunteer returning officer Bruce Walmsley S.C was awarded Life Membership of the Club for over 32 years of service.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson and Jason Winderlich will both receive Life Membership at the 2013 Season Launch.