IN A YEAR like no other, Melbourne has recorded 40,571 members for the 2020 season.

The incredible show of support follows a hiatus of the competition, no crowds at the MCG, and now reduced capacity in stadiums around the country.

Although COVID-19 prevented many of the Melbourne faithful from attending in 2020, the support of the club didn’t waver.

The Demons had the least amount of membership cancellations in the league, placing them in a strong position to remain unassisted financially.

And it was this support of the club that proved most uplifting.

“This year has challenged us all, in ways that we could never have thought possible,” CEO Gary Pert told Melbourne Media.

“Our members have rallied in a global pandemic, supported us from near and far, and played a crucial role in our survival.

“As I’ve said, in many ways, our members will never know how important their actions have been this year, and we can’t thank them enough for their backing.

“While there’s still plenty of growth in our supporter base, we are so proud of every single member who joined us in 2020.”

Melbourne will officially acknowledge its members in Round 17, with the AFL-wide celebration of the competition’s most dedicated.

The Dees will wear their Proud to Belong guernsey to mark the occasion, pulling on the special design when they do battle with GWS on Saturday. 

The exclusive jumper, which is inspired by a pre-season guernsey from the late 1990s, is filled with names of passionate Melbourne members and supporters.

Fans had the opportunity to purchase a guernsey and have their name sewn into the iconic red and blue earlier this year.

The club will also celebrate its members through its digital channels in the lead up to the game.