The Western Bulldogs today released membership figures for the 2011 Season.

A total of 32,031 people have signed up to be a Western Bulldogs Member in 2011 as of July 13th.

This figure represents the second highest membership tally in the Club’s history - despite being eight per cent down on last year’s record result.

Importantly, 93 per cent of those who signed up to support the Club in 2011 are Game Day Access members.

The Bulldogs’ strong connection with Melbourne’s West has shone through in this year’s results - with 45 of the top 50 Bulldogs Membership suburbs based in the West.

More than 1 in 10 Members in 2011 call the Hoppers Crossing and Werribee area home - further confirming Melbourne’s West as the Bulldogs’ backyard.

In a very pleasing result - the EJ Whitten Social Club sold out for the second year in a row and over 12,660 Bulldogs for Life Members signed up this season, taking advantage of the Club’s auto renew and 12 month payment plan options.

Simon Garlick, Western Bulldogs Chief Executive said that while it was disappointing that the Club had not superseded last year’s record result he urged supporters to get behind the team as they storm home and into next year.

“Sunday’s fantastic win over Carlton is reflective of the exciting brand of football we know we are capable of,” Garlick said.

“The fact that we also have an electric group of youngsters coming through the ranks - makes the Western Bulldogs great value for our long term supporters and a very attractive option for new fans of our game. 

“We want to thank all of our long term, loyal Members - your support is always appreciated and most certainly never forgotten.”

Simon also thanked the 5,041 Members who signed up for the first time to the red, white and blue and urged the nearly 7,000 un-renewed Members from 2010 to return to the ‘Kennel’ and get behind the Club for the long term.

It is an exciting time down at Whitten Oval with the recent contract extension of Major Partner Mission Foods to an unprecedented long term arrangement, the Bulldoze the Debt Campaign now topping $1 million and the completion of our $31 million re-development of Club and Community facilities.

“There has never been a better time to get on board as a Western Bulldogs Member,” Garlick said.

“Our backyard, the Western Region of Melbourne is the fastest growing region in the country and we look forward to engaging with our Fans and Supporters through an extremely exciting and successful football team and our continued and genuine presence in our Community.”