Essendon Football Club is proud to announce it has signed more than 65,000 members for the first time in its 146 year history.

Currently 65,107 members have joined the Bombers Comeback Story in 2017.

To say thank you and celebrate reaching 65,000 members, the Club will be surprising its loyal members with 65 inner sanctum experiences and prizes at the game against West Coast at Etihad stadium on Sunday.

1965 Premiership Captain, Ken Fraser, will also be honoured as the Club’s Comeback Hero on Sunday.

Attendances for Essendon games have also been strong, with the Club attracting an average crowd of 66,798 over its first four home matches.

Round 1 v Hawthorn – 78,294

Round 5 v Collingwood – 87,685

Round 6 v Melbourne – 44,040

Round 8 v Geelong – 57,172

CEO, Xavier Campbell, said it was fantastic to see the Essendon family continuing to grow in strength.

“To pass 65,000 members this week is an incredible and historic moment for our Club,” Campbell said.

“As a Club we believe we are heading in the right direction, our team is playing an exciting brand of football and it’s great to see our members back enjoying their football again.

“We know we still have plenty of hard work ahead of us on and off the field, but we are committed to making our people proud and it is uplifting to see those scarves and jackets waving more frequently after our games.”

Essendon Captain, Dyson Heppell, called on the members to get behind the team this Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

“It’s an absolutely amazing achievement to sign up 65,000 members and on behalf of the playing group I’d like to thank all our members for getting behind us this season,” Heppell said.

“The support of our members over the previous years and again this season has been enormous and we hope it continues to build.

“We hope the members get around us and make some noise at Etihad Stadium this Sunday when we take on the Eagles, we’ll be out to get the win and hope to make our members proud.”

The match against the Eagles will feature a number of family friendly initiatives including;

-Free entry for kids under 15

-Skeeta’s Party Room

-Kick to kick after the match.

Club membership totals for the past five seasons;

57,494 (2016)

61,137 (2015)

60,714 (2014)

56,172 (2013)

47,708 (2012)