St Kilda today broke through the 38,000 members mark for the first time in five years (2011).

CEO Matt Finnis thanked Saints supporters for continuing to get behind the club, saying that membership had grown 16% in 2016.

“We are so proud that our fans are getting behind the club as members – it gives us confidence that we are heading in the right direction,” he said.

“We have 5,254 more members than last year’s tally of 32,746 which places us in the top four of AFL clubs for year-on-year growth in both percentage and raw numbers.

“Membership remains a crucial part of our business and behalf of everyone at Linen House Centre, I want to say ‘thanks for belonging and being a true part of St Kilda’.”

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Finnis said the last time the Saints passed 38,000 members, in 2011, the club finished with its highest ever membership tally of 39,276.

“I believe we are poised to smash through the 40,000 members barrier in 2017 as we keep building a team capable of playing finals for the first time in years,” he said.

“We also remain on track to move back to Moorabbin late next year - which I know our fans love - which will provide the entire club with a huge boost.

“I know our fans have liked what they are seeing on and off-field and, if we keep working hard and smart, I think we can keep winning their trust to invest as members.

“The sky really is the limit for this club if we keep our focus on improving each year and deliver what we say we will.”

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