The AFL today announced that 2016 AFL club membership had increased to a record 875,197 members with St Kilda leading membership growth across the league.

Having broken through the 38,000 members mark for the first time in five years earlier this month, the Saints have seen a 16 per cent rise in membership from their 2015 total of 32,746 members.

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis thanked Saints supporters for continuing to get behind the club and renewing their memberships.

“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,” Finnis said.

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

Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season

The results come at a fitting time as St Kilda’s member appreciation round, Saints Say Thanks, kicked off earlier this week.

To celebrate, the club is inviting all supporters to a FREE BBQ at Moorabbin Oval during this Saturday’s captain’s run.

The event will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and will be an opportunity for supporters to meet the players and purchase official 2016 gear before the season wraps up.

St Kilda will also show their appreciation for members at Sunday’s game against Brisbane Lions where children under 15 can enter for free and enjoy a range of other initiatives to celebrate #SaintsSayThanks.

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