IN SEASON 2019, the AFL broke its record for the most fans attending games throughout the home-and-away season.

And on numbers alone, there’s a big reason to thank the Navy Blue faithful.

Throughout the year, 6,951,304 attended AFL games, eclipsing the record set last year.

Across all 18 teams, Carlton - which finished the season in 16th place - had the biggest growth in home attendance of any club.

On average, 46,730 went to Carlton home games in 2019: an increase of over 47 per cent.

The Blues also placed fifth for average home attendances for the season: the top four teams are all going on to play finals football.

It was just another sign of the unwavering loyalty from Carlton supporters, with Bluebaggers signing up in record numbers in 2019.

The support certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by those directly involved on game day.

“The fans have been great. It’s a great relationship right now [between fans and players],” senior coach David Teague said.

“They’ve really embraced the playing group, they’re embracing effort.

“We’re giving our fans some good entertainment and some really good moments. It’s only going to get better for our fans.”

Standout youngster Sam Walsh was quick to echo the sentiments of his coach after his first year in Navy Blue.

“The supporters all year have been quite amazing, really,” Walsh said on The Two Tones.

“They keep turning out and you can feel that energy when we’re up and about.

“To see the Carlton supporters up and about is unreal.”

Carlton fans in 2019

Fifth for home attendance across the competition — 46,730

Biggest home attendance growth of any club — 47 per cent

Record membership — 64,269