Essendon players have chipped in to help fund the AFL club’s new $25 million training and administration facility.

Bombers players have donated a percentage of their wages, with captain Jobe Watson saying they were investing in their own future success.

“We understand the significance of this project towards our future as players and as a football club,” Watson said.

“If we don’t raise the money we need, the club will be forced to take on a level of debt that could impact our football department spending.”

The Bombers want supporters to contribute $3 million towards the facility, near Melbourne Airport, but that component of the fundraising campaign launched last August has so far yielded less than $700,000.

A telethon aimed at boosting that figure, involving high-profile past players and supporters, will be held in conjunction with Saturday night’s match against Sydney.

The new facility, on an area more than double the size of current headquarters Windy Hill, will include two AFL-sized ovals, an indoor training venue, pool, gym and running track.

There will also be an administration area, lecture theatre and lounge.