FOLLOWING on from a successful round one with returning Essendon players leading the side to victory against arch-rival Hawthorn, the Bombers broke their membership record on Thursday.

As of Thursday afternoon, the tally stood at 61,343, breaking the mark of 61,317 set in 2015.

Bombers chairman Lindsay Tanner told essendonfc.com.au he expected many more supporters to sign up.

"To set a new membership record so early in the season is an incredible show of faith in the direction of our club and shows our comeback story is gathering momentum," Tanner said.

"On behalf of the players, coaches, staff and board – thank you to the Essendon family for your amazing support.

"We have broken the 2015 record at a blistering pace, and on current projections should comfortably surpass 65,000 members this season, which is a phenomenal effort by the Essendon family.

Essendon had six players return after season-long doping bans against the Hawks: Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Brent Stanton and Travis Colyer.

Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking and Ben Howlett played in a VFL practice match last week while David Myers is expected to miss another 4-6 weeks after finger surgery for a ruptured tendon.