FIVE clubs hit record membership highs in 2020 despite the outbreak of COVID-19 decimating crowds at AFL matches this season.  

West Coast (100,776) broke through the six-figure barrier for the first time, while Carlton, St Kilda, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney surpassed their all-time records. 

The numbers for the Blues and Saints came in a season where they were unable to hosts fans in Victoria.  

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The League-wide total of 992,854 members marked a drop of just 6.1 per cent on last year's record of 1,057,572.  

"Footy is about connection and a sense of belonging and this remarkable number demonstrates AFL members are the most passionate and loyal members across all sports," AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said.

"The commitment members made to their clubs is a key reason why all 18 clubs were able to survive a challenging and unprecedented year.

"We have been blown away by the loyalty and commitment footy fans around the country have demonstrated this season. 

"On behalf of the AFL, I want to say thank you to every single person who signed up this year." 

The breakdown consisted of 669,745 adults, 90,042 concessional members and 233,067 juniors. 

As at the August 31 deadline, seven of the 18 clubs achieved rises on last season.  

AFLW membership increased again after its fourth season, with an all-time record of 20,849 members (up 48.9%) signing up.  

The majority of the growth came via expansion teams with three new clubs topping the charts in West Coast Eagles (3,318), Richmond (2,656) and St Kilda (2,299).

"In a challenging year for everyone, the clubs worked extremely hard to stay connected to their members and in turn the members supported the game in a way we would never have expected," AFL General Manager of Commercial Kylie Rogers said.  

 "On behalf of the AFL and all the clubs, thank you." 

This year marks just the second time in 30 years where AFL club membership numbers have regressed, after 2000 when the AFL season was moved forward due to the Sydney Olympics. 

Thursday's clash between St Kilda and West Coast will open the round 17 'Thank You' round where all clubs will thank their members for their loyalty and support in season 2020 through various initiatives. 

2020 CLUB MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN