Essendon's membership department is busily working away on its 2001 membership drive - a campaign it hopes will see the club attract 40,000 members for the first time in it's history.

The club attracted about 35,000 members in 2000 and following the premiership victory and the success of Colonial Stadium is hopeful and extra 5000 members can be attracted this year.

"I'm really excited with the 2001 campaign - it has come up really well and there are plenty of packages for members to choose from," membership manager Bernadette Dargan said.

"We had some problems with ticketing last season but they are now ironed out and I'm sure everything will run smoothly this season.

"I'm confident supporters will again get right behind the club and purchase memberships - they now realise just how important it is to the on-going survival of clubs.

"And we have a fantastic side at the moment -why wouldn't they want to go and watch them each week. They are without doubt the most watchable side in the competition and memberships are the cheapest way to do that."

The final Bomber Magazine for season 2000 "The Year In Review" will hit members' letterboxes in early December.

The magazine will feature a story with Bomber skipper James Hird, Kevin Sheedy's report on season 2000 and a run down on the performances of every senior player.

We also take a look at the club's move to Colonial Stadium and gauge its success.

If you aren't a member you will be able to grab a copy at your nearest newsagent. It is a must have for supporters of the side who in 2000 put together the greatest season in the history of the game.