If early indications are anything to go by, Essendon's push for 40,000 members is an achievable target in season 2001.

With more than 10 weeks to go until the first match of the season, the Bombers have already chalked up 20,000 members.

"There is still a long way to go to reach the 40,000 target we set ourselves but it is an encouraging start," membership manager Bernadette Dargan said.

Many of the memberships at this stage are reserved seatholders from 2000 renewing their membership for this year.

Dargan said those people who have taken out memberships will receive their season tickets prior to the Ansett Cup.

"The AFL has made minor changes in the methods used to produce tickets - changes made in conjunction with Ticketmaster and the ground operators. This is why membership tickets haven't been issued as yet," Dargan said.

"There certainly won't be the problems we experienced last year. I want to assure members that they will have their membership tickets and fulfillment kits before the beginning of the Ansett Cup."

A number of Essendon members with reserved seats from last year have requested to be moved to a different location.

Dargan said that process was still being worked through. "We are still in the process of allocating seats to reserved seatholders who do not wish to change their seat," she said. "When this task has been completed we will know what seats remain and can then look at accommodating members who wish to change their seat location."

People wishing to enquire about becoming a member of the Bombers in 2001 should call 92300390.