North Melbourne’s faithful have voted with their feet, endorsing the club’s direction in overwhelming fashion by eclipsing its previous membership record. 

The Kangaroos have reached 45,133 members so far in 2021, surpassing the previous record of 45,014 back in 2016 when then the team was coming off consecutive preliminary finals berths in 2014 and 2015 and a 9-0 season start in 2016.

North CEO, Ben Amarfio, said the record breaking achievement was a clear message that the club is on the right path.

“We have had incredible support, particularly over the past 15 months and our members continue to amaze us with their loyalty, passion and care for our club - particularly meritorious given Covid,” he said.

“To be in this position during what is the beginning of a rebuild, is incredibly significant. It proves to us that our members are on board with the direction we are heading in and they believe in the strategy we’ve elected to pursue.”

The overall membership tally figure includes 1,405 AFLW members, also a record for the club.

“From our long-standing AFL members to our more recent AFLW members – we are forever grateful for their continued support. Our members are the lifeblood of our club,” Amarfio added.

“It’s been challenging at times not having our royal blue and white striped army at games but this record speaks volumes about our members’ dedication and commitment.

“I’d also like to acknowledge our membership team and the wider club who have all worked tirelessly to overcome numerous challenges to achieve this result.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2021 MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES

Amarfio said the club is working hard on and off the field to improve and is setting itself up for generations to come.

“Our members have embodied the Shinboner Spirit and are with us on this exciting new journey,” he said. 

“Our football teams are driven by a very clear plan that we will not deviate from. We are excited by the direction of our football programs and the amount of young talent we have coming through the AFL and AFLW.

“Off the field we are aiming to be debt free, we will soon start construction on our State government funded $7M facility expansion and will continue to work with the State government and the City of Melbourne on the Arden Precinct Plan, ensuring our club is best placed for a successful and sustainable era. These are incredibly exciting times for our club and we are delighted our members are enjoying our small successes along the way.”

To celebrate the record, the club is giving back to its members with a free two-month Kayo subscription offer, plus exclusive giveaways including posters and bumper stickers.

North fans are also encouraged to pick up a copy of the Herald Sun on Tuesday, which will feature a commemorative record breaking poster by cartoonist, Mark Knight.

The celebrations will continue in Round 18 at the club’s home game against Essendon, where members will be recognised at the game.