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- #176
Essendon is still ahead of what it was this time last year, so 50k is even more possible this year.
Unless Richmond have the goods to get to 50k, which I doubt, then you're not going to get near us by the end of it all.
That being said, if Richmond do in fact reach 50k, then good on them, as that would only prove a healthier league.
Essendon make it very difficult for the rank and file to be members these days, forcing all members to have an annual seat, getting rid of country membership category. The structure is very inflexible. Unfortunately it has had a big impact on Bronze renewals. Essendon are about 200 ahead of this time last year (nb; they were 1,700 ahead only 3 weeks ago), and are only signing up about 100 a day (700 a week). We hit 45,000 on the Friday prior to round 1 last year, so unless there is a drastic resurgence in sales Essendon will be about 42,500 by round 1 and therefore 2,500 down vs last year same time. It sold 5,000 to get to 50,000. I said in December last year Essendons membership would fall 46,000. I won't be too far off!!
Until they get away from the Dome, the membership will be stunted. Just think how many would lock on if we were at the G again. It's all about the $/member - I guess that's all that matters and EFC will do well in this category in 2012 at least.