Essendon Football Club is proud to announce it has surpassed 70,000 members in 2021, eclipsing last year's total of 66,686.

The milestone is a testament to the unwavering loyalty and commitment of renewed members after a challenging 2020, and to the support of new Mighty Bombers who have signed up for the first time.

CEO Xavier Campbell thanked the red and black faithful for their commitment.

“We’re immensely grateful for the support of our incredible membership base. We’ve built from a difficult 2020 impacted by the pandemic and to now reach 70,000 members this early in the 2021 season is so pleasing and a credit to all involved,” Campbell said.

“Thank you to all the 70,000-plus loyal members who have signed with us this year. Our style of football has been exciting to watch so far this season and I know our members are focused on and enjoying the growth of this group. I’ve actually had many of our members and supporters reach out letting me know how excited they are by the future of this playing list, and we feel that too.

"There is significant work in front of us but we have a clear plan in place led by Ben (Rutten) and his coaching panel, as well as Dyson (Heppell), and we’re all aligned in our hunger for success. Our club is building towards that and I believe we’re on the right path.

“We think the 80,000 member milestone this season is achievable, so to those who have not yet signed on, there’s no better time to join the Bombers as a member ahead of our annual Anzac Day blockbuster match this Sunday at the MCG.”

As a thank-you to its loyal, committed members for coming on the journey, the club is offering a 25 per cent member-exclusive discount off all New Era headwear for the next 70 hours.

Simply log in to your membership account on the Bomber Shop website and shop the New Era range here.

Seven lucky members will also receive a 2021 Anzac Day guernsey signed by senior coach Ben Rutten and captain Dyson Heppell.

Another seven signed Anzac Day guernseys will be sent to new members who don the sash before the round eight clash with the Giants.

Head to efc.com.au or call 1300 GO BOMBERS to don the sash today.

70K MILESTONE STATS

• Nearly 13k new members and 57k members back on board from 2020.
• 566 members from abroad, who can't get into the country due to COVID-19 restrictions, but still want to show their passion.
• 1,239 members in Essendon heartland (3040 postcode).
• Access to a combined total of 640,454 games (almost as many as Dustin Fletcher played).
• 26,513 more members than the biggest ever crowd at Windy Hill.