Efforts to formally bring AFL to the nation's capital appear to be failing with only 4,000 people signing up as Canberra members of the new Greater Western Sydney club.

A target of 5,000 has been set by GWS.

"We had hoped in calling around to our pledge book holders that we would have got a lift in our numbers but it just hasn't happened," ACT4GWS head Peter Taylor said in a statement.

"It's disappointing. Really disappointing."

If the target is reached, Canberra will host four AFL games a year for the next decade.

Mr Taylor said while corporate support had been strong, the membership drive was still slow.

"As far as I'm concerned, if we don't get to 5,000, then all bets are off."

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