Essendon Chief Executive Xavier Campbell says the lead-up to tomorrow’s match will be about celebrating the Club’s history and looking forward to the future.

The Bombers host Melbourne is their first match at the MCG this season. 

Past and present players as well as fans will play key roles in the build-up to the game showcasing the Club’s strength and unity.

“It really is about making a stand for our football club and making a stand for our future,” Campbell told Bomber Radio.

“The Essendon Football Club is a 143 year old organisation, it has fantastic heritage and history and this weekend is about celebrating everything that is Essendon.

“I don’t think we should lose sight that Essendon is one of the big, strong four football clubs in the town.

“We will not let this past issue and the past three years define our future.

“We are proud to be Essendon again and this weekend is the start of that.”

More than 50,000 fans have signed as members for this season, but there are still around 12,000 who have been a member previously but have not renewed as yet.

“It has been a really difficult period for them,” Campbell said.

“That’s not lost on us one bit and it’s something we spend a lot of time talking about.

“To have reached 50,000 members so quickly is something we’re extremely grateful for. 

“They are an amazing group of people.”

To renew or sign up as a member click here.

Campbell remains in regular contact with the 12 suspended players and is continuing the process of securing meaningful employment and study opportunities for them.

There is no clear date on when their appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport verdict will be heard. 

Despite the unique financial pressures incurred by the Club, Campbell said the organisation remains in a strong position.

“Our debt level to this point hasn’t increased, but we just haven’t been in a position to pay down that debt as quickly as we would have liked,” Campbell said.

“This year will present further challenges, there is no doubt about that.

“It’s certainly not going to break us… we’ve got a strong financial model.”