Club CEO Geoff Miles says he's thrilled with the milestone figure which places the Victorian club ahead of every other A-League club.

“It means so much for the club. A membership number of this magnitude allows us to provide the required support for our football department,” Miles told au.fourfourtwo.com this morning in Melbourne.

The milestone is being celebrated later today at the club's fan shop in Richmond with a party which is expected to feature Victory players.

Melbourne Victory exceeded all expectations by signing over 7,000 members in its first season (2,000 of which were free child memberships). By season 2006/07, that figure had risen to 11,200, which were fully paid.

“This committed base of support on match night is also a great lift for the team,” said Miles.

“We don't see ourselves as in competition with the AFL. The figure is however close to one or two AFL clubs.”

It's understood Victory is around 1000 memberships short of AFL club North Melbourne Kangaroos. The club will continue to sell memberships over the next few weeks.

“There is a strong membership culture in Melbourne with the AFL clubs and it is an important part of supporting your football club.”

Miles also said that Victory's move in the Asian Champions League in 2008 will “continue to attract new fans across Asia to the Victory brand. That will be a huge opportunity.”

According to the CEO, Victory is expecting a 30,000 plus for tomorrow night's first home match at Telstra Dome against Glory.

Victory star Joe Keenan told au.fourfourtwo.com that the side was “disappointed” to have coughed up two goals late in last week's opener against a resurgent Phoenix.

“With Ljubo's [Milicevic] injury, Panta [Steve Pantelidis] will probably come in and with his quality we'll be just as strong back there," he said.

"They've got injuries too with Foxe and Tarka."

He added: “I can't wait. With a crowd of 30,000 to 40,000 it'll be great. We want to win and we need to win."