ESSENDON has high hopes of setting a new club membership record by passing the 70,000-mark, after signing up over 50,000 before Christmas.

While the Bombers finished season 2017 on a sour note, losing to Sydney in an elimination final by 65 points, they did record 12 home-and-away wins.

And it seems their fans have responded to the promise shown by John Worsfold's team, with 51,124 members already on the books.

By comparison, this time last year the club had 46,000 members, and ended the 2017 season with a club record of 67,791.

"Our members are the lifeblood of our club, and to have 50,000 signed on before Christmas is a phenomenal achievement," club CEO Xavier Campbell told essendonfc.com.au.

"There is a great sense of optimism around the club ahead of the upcoming season. We play an exciting brand of football, we have a talented list and with continued hard work over the summer, we are excited about what 2018 can bring."