The club broke its all-time record membership in March this year, surpassing the previous record of 43,635 set in 2008.

Essendon chairman David Evans thanked the club's supporters for playing their part in reaching the milestone figure.

""On behalf of the players, coaches, staff and board, I would like to extend our gratitude to the 50,000 members who have helped our club reach this exciting and important milestone for the first time,"" Mr Evans said.

""Members are the heart of our football club and we are proud of the way the Essendon family have united like never before to achieve our goal of reaching 50,000 members.

""This is just the beginning of the journey to make our club great once again and I thank our loyal members who have pledged to Stand As One with us on this journey.""

Among the 50,000 are more than 12,500 first-year members, 12,000 junior members and a record number of reserved seat memberships of 18,500.

The club will publicly recognise the members' role in achieving this new milestone during its Round 15 game against Geelong which will include various initiatives to thank the members.

To celebrate the milestone, Essendon will also launch an online 50-hour sale in the Bomber Shop. 2011 Essendon members can save 50% off 50 items over 50 hours online at essendonfc.com.au, commencing at 5pm on Friday 10 June (ends 7pm on Sunday 12 June).

Essendon is encouraging the 5000 members who are still yet to renew from 2010 to become a member in 2011 and Stand As One - Proud. United. Excited. - before the June 30 deadline. Click here to sign up today.

Essendon players Angus Monfries, Jason Winderlich and Heath Hocking paid special tribute to the milestone this week when they paid a visit to Richardson Street, Essendon - the street with the most signed up Essendon members in Australia. Watch the surprise visit above.

STAND AS ONE - PROUD. UNITED. EXCITED. Sign up as a 2011 member today.