While most departments at the Sydney Swans are winding down and getting ready for a break over the Christmas holidays, our hardworking membership department are still in their peak season.

Without ruining the surprise, it appears that for many, a Sydney Swans membership could be under the tree come Christmas morning, with the numbers who have already signed up looking very favourable.

Since memberships went on sale just over two weeks ago, 11,000 supporters have shown their passion and signed up as Swans members for the 2012 season.

“We’re averaging about 700 memberships a day at the moment, which is really great and helping us hit some targets,” Swans Member Services Manager, Jenny Thompson, told SwansTV. 

“We’re hoping to hit 12,000 (members) by the end of the week and keep climbing towards the start of the season.”

The Club’s popular ‘Nominate Your Mate’ program, where members receive rewards for introducing new people to the club and getting then to sign up as members, has also returned for 2012 and there is already a standout front-runner.

“We’ve already got somebody up to nine (friends signed) and it’s a great prize if you have the highest number of members recruited, which is tickets to the 2012 AFL Grand Final,” Thompson said. “So hopefully that member will be there to see the Swans win!”

Considering this year’s top recruiter, Catherine Boundy, won the prize with 13 friends signed up, the current leader could take some reigning in.   

If you haven’t already done so, don’t worry, there is still time to sign-up as a Swans member before the Christmas break. The member services department will be open until 12pm Friday December 23.

Following a well-earned break, the team will return at 10am on Monday January 9, 2012.

Right throughout the Christmas period you can still purchase your Swans membership online at www.sydneyswans.com.au/membership.

Sydney Swans Member Services can be contacted on 1300 663 819, via email at swansmembership@sydneyswans.com.au, or via Twitter (@SwansSupport).