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The 2012 campaign – Stand As One. One Team. One Dream. – encourages supporters to contribute directly to the club’s success by becoming an important member of the team. As the players become fitter, faster and stronger, Bomber supporters can play a role by helping to provide the players with the resources they need to give our team the best possible chance at future success.

The club’s 2012 campaign continues the successful Stand As One campaign which attracted a record 50,271 members in 2011, including 13,000 new members in Hird’s first year as coach.

Hird said the club has set an ambitious target of attracting 60,000 proud and passionate members in 2012 and encouraged Essendon supporters to join the team.

“Whether it’s the players, the coaches, the Board or the members, everyone has a significant role to play to make the Essendon Football Club successful,” Hird said.

“The players are working as hard as they can to get bigger and stronger on the field, and now we need our supporters to do the same for the club off the field.

“It is going to be a team effort –we’re all in this together - One team, One dream. Anyone can be a fan and support the club, but if you are a member, you can become part of the team.

“As senior coach, I’m urging all supporters to become a member and be a part of the Essendon team in 2012.”

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C'Mon Bomber fans, Get On-Board! And tell any other Bomber fans who held back in 2011 to join for 2012!

- chris mccormick (posted 8/11/2011 4:36:27 PM)

Do we still get gold "50,000" member cards for re-signing?

- Mathew Foster (posted 8/11/2011 4:43:15 PM)

Why is there no Country membership anymore? Terrible decision. Yes we may only be able to get to limited games but we should be able to pick which home games we can attend, the 3 game membership isn't that great a choice when we have no say in what game we can go to (even if they are blockbusters). Seems the only option is a Bronze membership which is twice the monthly cost of what I paid this season.

- Tash Leary (posted 8/11/2011 4:54:38 PM)

Anyone know if we get a 2012 Members scarf when we renew our membership?

- Cynthia McKenzie (posted 8/11/2011 5:18:51 PM)

all ready sine for next year

- MARK JONES (posted 8/11/2011 5:55:43 PM)

WE WILL GET 60

- MARK JONES (posted 8/11/2011 5:56:13 PM)

Cynthia - I'm pretty sure I saw that we get a cap for 2012???

- Samantha Whitelaw (posted 8/11/2011 6:41:01 PM)

Cannot wait to get on board....scarf or no scarf for me Cynthia.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 8/11/2011 7:30:24 PM)

will be 40 years according to some although I back the club to have correct records. go bombers in 2012!!

- Margaret Dickson (posted 8/11/2011 8:32:26 PM)

Show them the money!

- Steven Boyle (posted 8/11/2011 8:38:46 PM)

...I'm One!!!! And I'm ready to re-sign for 2012!!! Go BOMBERS!! One Team. One Dream.

- Maria Silva (posted 8/11/2011 8:57:04 PM)

I'm definitely ONE, for 2012......

- Nick Tomaras (posted 8/11/2011 9:09:03 PM)

Have told the kiddies what Daddy wants for Christmas, so now it's up to the 21 and 18 year olds to follow through.

- Wesley Hull (posted 8/11/2011 9:10:51 PM)

Insider - Can you please confirm that you are now designated a specific seat no matter what membership you get(bronze,silver etc) I am really hoping this isnt the case

- Scott McNeice (posted 8/11/2011 9:19:04 PM)

The Club do not have complete records Margaret,get your facts correct before you try to stir... One fact is,I have my complete records,and am biding my time to present them to the appropriate people..How are your records going...

- Noel Shields (posted 8/11/2011 9:25:13 PM)

Two queries. Evidently the Beyond the Boundary package included the Bomber Magazine this year for extra cost. Is that the same for next year? The pet package is a little dubious for me...our dogs keep eating every mat we get them. I,m guessing these mats are not inedible?

- Wesley Hull (posted 8/11/2011 9:51:40 PM)

"Ya gotta love this club"

- Kevin Jackson (posted 8/11/2011 11:34:29 PM)

Why does the club continue to designate the 3 home games country members attend to?Have had this discussion on the phone with EFC and was told they would look into it for next year,must of been a passing glance,let us pick our own 3 games and im sure the club will get more on board,hopefully someone will look further into the matter,cheers guys.

- trevor jones (posted 9/11/2011 8:50:04 AM)

Would love to see an interactive i.e. up to date membership graph or thermometor style graph - showing the current membership on the home page of our website.

- David Scott (posted 9/11/2011 9:17:33 AM)

60,000 members is not too much to expect in 2012, I have been a supporter all my life, faithful to EFC but never been a member until a couple of years ago. BEST THING I EVER DID. Must be lots more like me out there that we can reach. Become part of this fantastic club, you'll be so glad you did.

- Gail Taylor (posted 9/11/2011 10:25:08 AM)

Exactly the message the Club wants to convey Gail,and very well said... :-) As far as I am concerned,you have been a member all of your life,the type that enriches and enhances the Club and the Team experience for all of us.. A pleasure standing beside you as a fellow supporter and member.. Go the Mighty Bombers to 60,000 and beyond :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 9/11/2011 12:38:18 PM)

Ive had the same reserved seats since we left windy hill, Next year I will get turfed out to make way for silver members. Bad deal for bronze members

- tom amos (posted 9/11/2011 1:43:43 PM)

El, can we get more details on this compulsory upgrade to Silver? I want to know if all of level 1 have to do this and if not, what sections do? The information on this has been really poor considering we have to fork out over $160 more each year.

- Justin Grossbard (posted 9/11/2011 7:21:34 PM)

I love what's going on at essendon, have already paid my 2012 memberships and tossed in extra for the fund. HOWEVER, please Bombers, I got sick of MK's abundant 'summer big talk' which translated into nothing. Let's have a vision but not on it's own....it has to to reflect on the field otherwise best we say nothing. Go Bombers.

- Peter Podgornik (posted 9/11/2011 8:32:34 PM)

nice 180

- Margaret Dickson (posted 9/11/2011 9:42:10 PM)

@tom amos and other members facing the same predicament regarding reserved seating. I too have held reserved seats since relocating to Etihad and now need to find an additional $600 per year for the same seats (3) I've held for 12 years with no additional benefit? Why, because the club needs to pander to Silver or High Mark members who apparently think they are getting a raw deal.

- Mark Hickleton (posted 10/11/2011 8:41:42 AM)

cont. Did these members have the option back then of taking premium reserved and chose not too, probably but decided not to at that time. Why can't the club initiate a stand-by system, like MCC waiting list?

- Mark Hickleton (posted 10/11/2011 8:45:03 AM)

cont: then as a Bronze member relinquishes their seat, a Silver or High Mark member has the option to take it up. Won't happen though. Easier to shaft the Bronze members who've paid for the privilege for 11 years.

- Mark Hickleton (posted 10/11/2011 8:48:18 AM)

Matthew, if you were a member in 2011 and you sign up for 2012 membership before 23rd December you will receive a 50,000 club member card.

- Essendon Insider (posted 10/11/2011 10:35:05 AM)

Tash, our research has shown that the majority of our country members in 2011 only attended between 1-3 games, so we thought it was unfair to continue to charge country members for 5 games when they are not using them.

- Essendon Insider (posted 10/11/2011 10:35:31 AM)

Cynthia, there is no scarf in the standard membership package for 2012. Caps are included in the standard membership packages this year. We do have a supporters pack which can be purchased as an add on product for $35 which includes a member polo and member scarf.

- Essendon Insider (posted 10/11/2011 10:36:06 AM)

Done! Next year, level one, Etihad. Level two is great for game viewing, but I felt far from the "energy" of the main Bomber faithful. Fingers crossed that my new seats are good! :) Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 10/11/2011 11:00:51 AM)

Justin, all Bronze members sitting the silver section on level one will be effected. Bronze members who sit behind the goals on level in the bronze section will not be effected.

- Essendon Insider (posted 10/11/2011 11:16:33 AM)

Mark, we understand that some members have been in these seats for a number of years. This is a decision that the club feels is best for our future to make sure we can grow our premium membership packages to match demand. There will be Caltex Fuel vouchers that will cover the increased cost in the first year, as well as guaranteed Grand Final access for as long as you remain a Silver member.

- Essendon Insider (posted 10/11/2011 11:17:58 AM)

NOEL: Oh thank you so much for those words. Meant a lot to read. I grew up in Essendon, went to school with players & families, my Dad worked for John Coleman, some players came to our place for parties etc. Essendon has been in my heart & a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. But I feel now as though I belong somehow. That's why I would love those like me to know that as well. Cheers Noel

- Gail Taylor (posted 10/11/2011 12:35:46 PM)

lot's of people in the same position, i,ve be a bronze member with a premium reserved seat on level 1 for 11 years now, & have to FIND $160 to be able to enjoy the game from mysame seat, i don't want to sit on level 3 as you loose so much atsmosphere from up there. NOT HAPPY! just means i have no money to donate to the flightplan.

- Matthew Atkinson (posted 10/11/2011 2:47:26 PM)

The seat I have occupied since day one has now been reclassified to premium level 1 with a hefty 38% price hike. This is nothing but a money grab and an insult to a long time, loyal supporter!!!

- Stefan Hruszowski (posted 10/11/2011 3:15:55 PM)

no hope of getting 60,000 members when they insult the loyal members with a massive increase in membership price. Can not afford to donate any money to the flight plan

- Joe Stella (posted 10/11/2011 3:45:45 PM)

Hi El, Thanks for your response. Just FYI, I think communication of the seats been reclassified could of been done better (ie a map showing the seats affected). One more question... if all of Level 1 because silver automatically in 2 years won't Essendon's GF allocation be oversubscribed?

- Justin Grossbard (posted 10/11/2011 3:51:27 PM)

Yep,that's about right,your 180th dud post.. Grow up and get a life,and get outa here if you can't support this Club properly..and finally,try and work out who you are,and stick to it.... REAL supporters & members do not carry on like a fraudulent nobody,intent on spoiling somebody else's day and enjoyment in being a part of and supporting in everyway possible this magnificent Club,and every player,coach and official proud to represent it when they walk in through the front door...

- Noel Shields (posted 10/11/2011 5:03:23 PM)

bombers will win the premiership in 2012 under jimmy. cross the bridge and get on board!!

- Margaret Dickson (posted 10/11/2011 8:50:26 PM)

What, are you a trapeze act now...you on bobby's,or he on your shoulders..? Hope the bridge is strong 'nuff for you both..

- Noel Shields (posted 10/11/2011 9:50:27 PM)

I am confused about what is happening to Bronze members. Are you losing your seats? I changed from High Mark Home games only to Silver Home and Away games (roughly the same price). My seat is REG07. What does this mean? Sorry to hear of other Bombers struggling with the additional cost, etc. Lovely story, Gail. :)

- Angeline Baron (posted 10/11/2011 11:26:52 PM)

EI that little excuse about country members only turning up to 3 games on average still doesn't make sense to us who turn up to more games.It also doesn't make up for the fact that the Etihad games chosen for the 3 game memberships are dud games and the club is trying to draw larger crowds to these low attendance games.The club could at least let you choose which game you attend whether at Etihad or the G.

- Stuart Dunstan (posted 11/11/2011 6:10:21 AM)

@Angeline. Bronze members who hold Premium level 1 seats and dont upgrade to Silver or High Mark in 2013 will lose their seats, some of which have held those seats for 11-12 years. This is to cater for premium package m/ships. Thanks also to EI for replying which is more than I rec'd last year from EFC M/ship dept. Your reasoning is soft, neverless you did reply.

- Mark Hickleton (posted 11/11/2011 9:30:27 AM)

Already renewed mine, now start picking on mates to sign up

- Steven Roberts (posted 11/11/2011 12:08:46 PM)

I'll still be a member in 2012 but as I live over 3 hours out of Melbourne the 3 game membership doesn't really suit me that well.

- Gavin Morrow (posted 11/11/2011 1:23:59 PM)

I've just signed up my best friends son who was born today 11.11.11. Congratualations Tif & Criag, and welcome to the Essendon Family Tyler Wyllie!!! :)

- Jason Bowers (posted 11/11/2011 1:30:41 PM)

I for one might also sign onto GWS as a fledgling member due to their loyalty to the great man sheeds.

- Margaret Dickson (posted 11/11/2011 1:39:39 PM)

Jason, you've made my day with that post! Well done!

- Angeline Baron (posted 11/11/2011 1:43:54 PM)

I might even sign up as a member at Oakleigh,and donate as much as I have donated to our New Home Base Fund,provided they drop the purple in the club colours..Will take us years to help young Alex get over his knightmares with his old colours...

- Noel Shields (posted 11/11/2011 2:24:27 PM)

This decision is pressuring bronze members to upgrade to a premium membership package and NOT to match demand. Bronze memebers are being treated as second class citizens....bad decision by the Board. Bottom line.....MONEY!!!

- Stefan Hruszowski (posted 11/11/2011 3:16:05 PM)

@Stefan. I must agree with you Stefan. I'll be PENALISED an ADDITIONAL $600 per year, every year for the same seats i've had for 11 years. This decision has nothing to do with demand, it's a money grab to fund 'flight plan'. But we're "one Team' aren't we. I'd always believed Essendon we're better in their support of members than this.

- Mark Hickleton (posted 11/11/2011 4:53:00 PM)

As we are told,all the time how Sheedy had many faces.Margaret,you should fit in nicely there. Jim, oops I meant Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 11/11/2011 11:17:07 PM)

E,regarding the 50,000 member card.As a AFL (essendon club support)they start taking my money out this month for my membership.Is the club notified of our renewd membership package,before christmas or after the new year. I will also send a email to the AFL membership dept if you are unable to answer this question for me.Thanks in advance. Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 11/11/2011 11:29:34 PM)

Gail,sounds like you had an exciting childhood.Nothing beats being a member of this great club. Traveling interstate to watch them play,talking to the boys at the hotel and getting to know them. It really is a bonus.I have met many great friends through this website and will continue to do so.This will be my 16th year as a member and feel privileged to be one. Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 11/11/2011 11:38:22 PM)

Will Lawrence Nockey be playing next year? I dont think it is old anough.

- Benny Fowler (posted 12/11/2011 3:53:01 PM)

EI, a lot of upset, loyal members here. Are you passing on these posts to the "powers that be"? Hmmmm, I feel sorry for these Bronze members. Look at Mark's predicament: 600 dollars is a lot of money in anyone's language. Did the decision maker do the math before signing off on this change? Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 13/11/2011 2:00:06 AM)

@Angeline. Thanks for your support but the reality is Bronze members are expendable as the EFC wants to push people into a higher m/ship level (and an increased revenue stream for the club). The 'payoff' of a fuel voucher is borderline offensive. It's a business; people don't count, profits do. Just spare me the spin of 'One Team' and pushing players to gain the support of members. Members support the club and the players. Who supports the members?

- Mark Hickleton (posted 13/11/2011 3:05:18 PM)

Its seems quite convenient to reclassify some sections as silver when they have been filled by bronze members since Etihad's first opened

- tom amos (posted 13/11/2011 5:33:40 PM)

@tom amos. Convenient for whom?

- Mark Hickleton (posted 14/11/2011 11:14:36 AM)

the club is doing the right thing and the club records are accurate. people need to stop whining and get on with supporting in 2012.

- Margaret Dickson (posted 14/11/2011 1:11:19 PM)

You are misinformed once again md... two previous membership managers have both said the same thing,that complete membership records no longer exist.. The onus now is on the member,if she/he wishes to pursue the matter (on updating their total years of m'ship)to provide proof..Sadly for you,I have every ticket.. And I have checked.. you are not amongst the m'ship roll... hhmmmm...strange that...

- Noel Shields (posted 14/11/2011 2:28:45 PM)

I represent a large group of supporters that SAT AS ONE in the open reserved seating on the wing at Windy Hill. We MOVED AS ONE to what was then the bronze members section at the MCG and then ETIHAD. Some of us will now be forced to leave the group due to this price hike. SITTING AS ONE NO MORE!!!

- Stefan Hruszowski (posted 15/11/2011 2:25:22 PM)

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