The Carlton Football Club last night achieved an unprecedented milestone in its 149-year history, breaking the 50,000-membership barrier for the first time. 

This in an outstanding outcome for the Club - which is truly indebted to the incredible loyalty of its supporters – and prompted a video message from Carlton Captain Marc Murphy.

“I would like to thank every single person who signed up as a member this season. This is the first time in our history that we’ve broken through 50,000 members – and it’s only the beginning of something even bigger,” Murphy said.

“It makes an enormous difference to run out onto the MCG in front of a sea of Navy Blue, and knowing you’ve done your bit is just the inspiration the team needs.”

Carlton's Consumer Business and Fan Development General Manager Clinton Bown has reiterated the importance of fans to the Club. 

"It's been a great response from members to get behind the Club this season. Despite some tough results, the players have been consistently competitive this season and that is reflected in the number of supporters who have gotten behind the team and the Club as members."

Bown said that supporters had continued to take full advantage of flexible membership options after the Blues recently surpassed their all-time Club membership record of 45,800.

"Particularly in the last month, we have had a big take up of our three-game Membership packages," he said.

Carlton CEO Greg Swann said the Club was constantly urging its supporters to back its quest to play more matches at the MCG in 2015 and beyond.

“We have listened to our members and they want more games at the MCG, so we put the challenge out there - we need 50,000, so we can show the AFL we are big enough,”Swann said.

“The response from our Members has been outstanding. Our Members are our backbone and we want to do everything we can to get back to the ‘G’.”

Carlton has averaged attendances of more than 65,000 in its five MCG matches this season, including 80,000-plus against Collingwood, Richmond and Essendon, and with another blockbuster pencilled in for Friday night against the Magpies the number is set to rise yet again.

This, said Swann, illustrated the fact that numbers were up across the board.

“Our crowd attendance is up, our TV figures are up, and our website and social media engagement is growing at a lightening pace,” Swann said.

“On and off the field we are setting ourselves for an exciting second half of season 2013, and an even bigger 2014 for our 150^th year celebrations.”

With five home games still remaining in 2013 there’s plenty of value left if you haven't purchased a Membership already.

Sign up at iamcarlton.com.au, or call 1300 CARLTON

The Club is holding a Free Blues BBQ at VISY park on Tuesday 9 July.

Training will be held from 10am – 10:45am, with players available to sign autographs following the training session.