HAWTHORN is the benchmark of the AFL on and off the field and Greater Western Sydney have their sights on matching the premiers on both fronts over the next few years, according to chief executive Dave Matthews.
Under coach Alastair Clarkson the Hawks have won the past three premierships and four of the last eight deciders to stamp themselves as one of the greatest sides in VFL/AFL history.
That success has led to the club's membership numbers racing towards 70,000, with Hawks officials declaring 80,000 is their target by 2017, as they jostle with the likes of Collingwood and Richmond for top spot in the fan stakes.
As the Giants prepare to take on Clarkson's men at home on Saturday afternoon, Matthews told AFL.com.au that the standard set by Hawthorn was where his fledgling club should be aiming to reach, and he was confident the signs were positive in western Sydney.
Giants focused on matching Hawk pressure
"You look at Richmond, Hawthorn and Collingwood, and the Sydney Swans as well, they've got membership bases of 70,000 and 50,000," he said.
"We're almost at 15,000 members and we're only four years old and into our fifth season.
"We know what we need to do to build our membership base.
"We've got to keep engaging with the community - we do great community work - and we've got to keep winning on the field.
"Our players are really delivering at the moment on the second part and we're under no illusions that this week's game is going to be a challenge, but we're up for it."
GWS play their first game at Spotless Stadium for 2016 against the Hawks this week and Matthews is hopeful of breaking the record the two teams set last year for the largest crowd for an AFL fixture – outside of a derby with the Swans - at the venue.
13,556 fans turned out in round six last season to see Jeremy Cameron kick seven goals to help the Giants to a stunning upset win.
Matthews is hoping his side's recent winning form, combined with the arrival of the premiers and an appearance by Aussie rockers Thirsty Merc at half-time, can push the game towards a new record.
"We'd love to get over 15,000 here on Saturday," Matthews said.
"Our membership this week ticked over the 12,000 mark and our record in Canberra this year has been great, so we've encouraged our Canberra fans to come up.
"The atmosphere here is going to be fantastic and I know it means a lot to the players when the atmosphere is strong.
"You hear our players being urged on and that’s what we need.
"Hawthorn are used to playing in front of very parochial crowds whether it be in Launceston or in Melbourne, so we need our fans to respond in kind and get right behind our players.
"The voices of our fans are growing louder and as we win more often you're going to see even more energy in the crowd.
"We talked to the AFL about getting Hawthorn back here because it's important for us to get the big clubs up in Sydney.
"With Hawthorn's recent success and their historical supporter base, they're a big club and they do draw a crowd.
"We beat them here last year so we're quite happy to have them here again."
