Hawthorn has surged past its AFLW membership record in just its second year, with already 5,707 loyal brown and gold believers signing up for season 2023.

Building upon the club’s historic AFLW inaugural season, the exciting membership growth has been further complemented by strong home crowds at Frankston’s Kinetic Stadium this year as well as last weekend’s inaugural AFLW match in Cairns. 

In Hawthorn’s three home games to date, an average of 2,798 people have passed through the gates at Frankston, which is a 23.2% increase from a year ago. 

Hawthorn CEO Ashley Klein thanked the dedicated members who pledged their support this season.

“We are extremely grateful to every single loyal AFLW member who showed their commitment in 2023,” Klein said. 

“To smash through our membership record in only our second season in existence is a testament to the overwhelming support from the brown and gold faithful.

“Our members are the lifeblood of our football club, and they play an integral part to our success both on and off the field.

“It’s also pleasing to see our members vote with their feet, as crowds continue to grow at the picturesque Kinetic Stadium in Frankston, while we were incredibly thankful for how the Cairns community embraced our club, with a strong showing at Cazalys Stadium. 

“With one more chance to experience a Frankston home game this year, we encourage members, old and new, to make the trip to Kinetic Stadium this Sunday as we take on Port Adelaide.” 

It comes after the club ticked over 80,000 total members for the second consecutive year - achieving 80,698 members for the AFL season - which includes the club's loyal Tasmania, interstate and international members.