AS WE head into round 22 of the 2010 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, I want to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters of AFL clubs for their wonderful support of Australian football.

Almost 6.2 million people have attended AFL matches this year and with some big crowds this week we could go close to breaking the all-time attendance record for a home and away season of more than 6.5 million.

This is an extraordinary achievement and I want to pay tribute to all our loyal fans who have supported the 16 AFL clubs so passionately. This year more than 614,000 people were paid up members of AFL clubs - another record.

I encourage all supporters to get along this week and cheer on their teams, regardless of whether they will play finals. Among the highlights of round 22:

• Fremantle and Carlton at Subiaco on Friday night as both clubs try to secure a home final

• Adelaide farewells one of its greats, Andrew McLeod, against St Kilda at AAMI Stadium

• The Hawthorn-Collingwood blockbuster on Saturday at the MCG. Will Josh Fraser finally play his 200th game?

• Geelong plays its last game for the year at Skilled Stadium against West Coast on Saturday

• The Western Bulldogs prepare for another finals series when they play Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday

• The Sydney Swans vie for a home final when it plays Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night

• Richmond farewells Ben Cousins against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday

• James McDonald leads Melbourne out for the last time against North Melbourne in the twilight match at the MCG on Sunday

I also want to thank our thousands of volunteers across Australia. Whether you are helping out at NAB AFL Auskick, supporting junior football or participating in community leagues, you are the heart and soul of our great game.

We wish everyone the very best wherever they are playing finals over the coming weeks.

Thank you also to those teachers who have been involved in AFL in our schools. And last but not least, thank you to the media for their coverage of the game.

Good luck to everyone over the coming weeks. Enjoy the ride and I hope your team wins.