AFL champions Hawthorn are flying on the financial front as well as on the field.

The Hawks have recorded a net operating profit of $3.33 million for the financial year ending Oct 31.

President Andrew Newbold said breaking the club’s membership record for the ninth consecutive season contributed to the strong result.

“The club’s overall membership figure has increased by six per cent, which we wouldn’t be able to achieve without the support of our 8,947 Tasmanian members,” Newbold said.

“We have also managed to reduce our overall debt by $1.2m in 2015, which is a position everyone at the club should be proud of.”

The club also received a $2 million donation which was excluded from the result.

Hawthorn’s membership is up from 68,650 to an impressive 72,924 while their average attendance at Melbourne home games was 52,783 – more than 3000 up on 2014.