Collingwood have recorded the highest membership tally of any AFL club ever as the combined figure for the competition this season topped 600,000 for the first time.

The Magpies reached 57,408 by the June 30 deadline, with Hawthorn (53,978) the other club to attract more than 50,000 members.

The total 16-club tally of 614,251 broke last year's record of 586,748.

However, the AFL's released figures did not break the membership totals down into full season, or partial memberships, with many clubs having three-game options.

"Membership continues to be the lifeblood of our clubs and the AFL's single most important indicator of the game's health remains attendances at our matches and the commitment of our supporters to become a member of one of our clubs," league chief executive Andrew Demetriou said.

"The AFL clubs deserve great credit for their work in drawing supporters to the game."

Only four clubs attracted fewer than 30,000 members, although Brisbane (26,779) and Sydney (28,671) both increased last year's figures.

But the concerns were Port Adelaide (29,092) and North Melbourne (26,953), the AFL's two most financially vulnerable clubs, who each shed more than 1000 members.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP