The backbone of Collingwood has always been the size and fierce passion of its fan base, a fact reinforced today with the release of the 2017 AFL membership table.

Collingwood fans, with their unwavering support, saw their club lead the league for the most members in 2017.

With membership growth of 1.6 per cent, Collingwood’s membership count rose to 75,879 –  above Hawthorn (75,663) and Richmond (72,669) in second and third place, respectively.

This growth coincided with expansion of the Collingwood family, which welcomed Collingwood AFLW and Magpies Netball teams into the fold in 2017.

Collingwood interim CEO Peter Murphy said the ‘Collingwood forever’ mentality of its fans continues to define and inspire the club.

“The foundation of the Collingwood Football Club is made up by those who support it and we can’t thank our members enough for their ongoing contribution to the club,” Murphy said.

“Collingwood has undergone something of a transformation this year, with the welcome and important additions of AFLW and Magpies Netball. To have this evolution underpinned by such wonderful support says all you need to know about the passion of Collingwood people.

“As our people know, Collingwood is forever. On behalf of our athletes, coaches, board and staff I say thank you to them all.”