PORT ADELAIDE has broken its own membership record, the AFL’s annual member audit has confirmed.

With the club’s official number reaching a record 61,442 in 2018, the AFL audited number has been confirmed at 54,386 representing 4.3% year on year growth.

The AFL audit applies criteria across the league’s 18 clubs in order to provide a standardized view of membership club by club and AFL wide each year.

The primary difference between Port Adelaide’s official member number and the AFL audited number is the allocation of the Adelaide Oval stadium members who have access to all Port Adelaide games, with Port Adelaide allocated 2,252 (28%) of the 8000 stadium members.

Port Adelaide’s member retention was ranked second behind only 2017 premier Richmond at 93% in the critical 11-game season ticketed member categories, highlighting the loyalty and commitment of the club’s members.

Port Adelaide Chief Executive Keith Thomas thanked members for their loyalty, praising them for making the club one of the best supported in the nation.

“2018 has seen a number of new records for us,” he said.

“And much of that success comes on the back of record member retention, which is one of our most important indicators.

“We are a member first club and we pride ourselves on that.

“It highlights the faith our members have in the club and we are hellbent on repaying that faith with the on-field success our members deserve.”

Mr Thomas said the club had reviewed its membership options ahead of the 2018 season and would do so again to ensure members were given the best accessibility and value in 2019.

Port Adelaide also leads the competition for general admission member attendance rates and ranks fourth overall for its member attendance at home games.

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