Hawthorn Football Club has today broken its all-time greatest membership figure, recording 54,474 proud, passionate and paid up members.

Third year Hawks member Barbara Weilharter, who was the Club’s record-breaking 54,474th signing, was delighted to make history as part of the Gold and Brown Hawk Force.

“It’s great to be a member at Hawthorn,” said Ms Weilharter.

“But it’s not about one person - it’s about being part of a family, a community.

“I have always been a supporter, through thick and thin - I love the Hawks and the best way to show them my support is to be a member.”

Hawthorn Chief Executive Stuart Fox was delighted to confirm the news, with the Club now focused on its next membership milestone.

“Today’s record-breaking is another step towards the Club’s 2011 membership target, as we continue to surge to 60,000 members,” said Fox.

“I’d like to congratulate every member who has signed up so far in 2011 and shown their support to this great Club.

“We still have around 7,800 non-renewed members from 2010 and there is no better time to get back onboard and support your team.

“The season still presents good value for money for members with five home games at the MCG, three make-up games at the MCG and three home games in Tassie at Aurora Stadium.

“I also want to make mention of the hard work by our Membership team at the Club.

"They are a great team and are always looking for ways to improve our membership services and provide the best membership packages possible.”

The Hawks continue to build their Tasmanian membership base with 8,232 Tassie members already on board (2010 total: 8,304).

With a target of 10,000 Tasmanian members this season, the Club looks well on the way to achieving this with the Hawks set to take on Gold Coast Suns in Round 13 at its second home, Aurora Stadium.