The AFL's all-time club membership record has been shattered with nearly 75,000 more bought by fans in 2023.
Fifteen AFL clubs broke their record membership figures in 2023, with Collingwood and GWS among the latest to celebrate major milestones.
The two sides continue a yearly trend in football, with most AFL clubs tracking to beat their membership records set last season in 2022.
AFL club membership record smashed
A record of 1,264,952 fans bought AFL club memberships in 2023, surpassing the previous mark of 1,190,671 - set in 2022.
This equates to a six per cent increase, while it means one in 21 Australians is now a member of an AFL club.
The record has been broken in 30 of the past 32 seasons, with the only exceptions the COVID-affected year of 2020 and 2000, when the competition clashed with the Sydney Olympics.
"Quite simply we have the greatest game in the world, and the most loyal and passionate fans in world sport," AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.
"It has been a record-breaking season on so many levels, and it is club membership that is the marker that signifies our fans deep connection with their clubs.
"The 18 clubs do an unbelievable job in creating a sense of belonging and bringing their fans along for the journey.
"On behalf of the AFL, I’d like to thank all our fans and every club member whose support is the backbone of our game.”
MORE: AFL Injury List 2023
AFL membership numbers 2023
Reigning premiers Geelong have for the first time achieved a membership of over 80,000, with the club furthering its new record tally.
With the Magpies flying and record crowds amassing, there's no surprise that the black and white have surpassed 106,470 members and broken the AFL's all-time club tally this season.
Collingwood currently leads membership numbers in 2023, with Richmond and West Coast close behind.
GWS has followed Sydney in breaking its own greatest tally, with NSW and Queensland football clubs continuing their upward trend.
| AFL Club | 2023 Membership Tally | Record |
| Adelaide | 68,536 | 68,536 |
| Brisbane Lions | 54,676 | 54,676 |
| Carlton | 95,277 | 95,277 |
| Collingwood | 106,470 | 106,470 |
| Essendon | 86,274 | 86,274 |
| Fremantle | 62,064 | 62,064 |
| Geelong | 82,155 | 82,155 |
| Gold Coast | 23,359 | 23,359 |
| GWS Giants | 33,036 | 33,036 |
| Hawthorn | 80,698 | 81,494 (2022) |
| Melbourne | 70,785 | 70,785 |
| North Melbourne | 51,084 | 51,084 |
| Port Adelaide | 64,041 | 64,041 |
| Richmond | 101,349 | 103,358 (2021) |
| St Kilda | 60,239 | 60,239 |
| Sydney | 65,332 | 65,332 |
| West Coast | 103,275 | 106,422 (2021) |
| Western Bulldogs | 56,302 | 56,302 |
MORE: AFL Coleman Medal leaderboard 2023
Collingwood celebrates highest-ever AFL membership tally
In celebration of Collingwood's new record, Club President Jeff Browne penned a letter to the Magpies faithful.
"We love our Club and we love the way our team continues to perform on the field but it is important to acknowledge the key role our Members have played off it in our season so far," he wrote.
"We often refer to the Magpie Army as our 19th player because it is true. It is one thing to sign up as a Member and another to attend matches and to cheer and chant as we encourage our team on to an often-nail-biting victory."
"I want to especially thank every Member who resides outside Victoria for your unwavering commitment and support of our Club.
"While we don’t play in every State and Territory each season, the support from Collingwood Members across Australia and internationally does not go unnoticed and we will continue to work towards building a stronger connection with you into the future.
"Collingwood has always been more than a football club. It is a big family and this milestone highlights the strength of our community and is something we should all be proud of."
GWS announce new AFL membership record
GWS was pleased to announce its record membership figures, ahead of an exciting Sydney Derby in Round 21.
Giants CEO David Matthews is thrilled to again so progress at GWS, with the club continuing to grow under its newest era of football.
“This is a significant achievement for the club after some of the hardships of recent years,” Mr Matthews said.
“While we’ve embarked on a new era in our AFL program under Adam Kingsley and in the AFLW under Cam Bernasconi, our members have remained as loyal as ever.
“Members are truly the heart and soul of any club and particularly for such a young club like us. Whether you’re a first-year member in 2023 or a foundation member in your 12th season, your support at GIANTS Stadium, Manuka Oval and right across the country is invaluable."
