ESSENDON will ask its supporters to come up with $5 million to help fund the move to its new state-of-the-art headquarters at Melbourne Airport.
The club officially launched its 'flight plan' to the new home base on Wednesday, and identified a substantial investment from Bombers fans as key to the project.
The estimated cost to secure the new home base - which the club hopes to be the best, biggest and most flexible training centre in the AFL - is approximately $30 million.
The Federal Government, AFL and AFL Victoria have already committed $10 million to the project.
The State Government is expected to contribute a further $6 million to the facility that it is yet to be confirmed, leaving Essendon to contribute $14 million.
The club has already pledged to invest $9 million, but will call on supporters to secure the remaining $5 million.
"A project of this size is a long-term investment and collectively the club will invest $15 million into its success," Essendon chairman David Evans said.
"We need our members to play an active role in arguably the most tangible way possible - a contribution towards our groundbreaking Melbourne Airport project."
In December last year, Essendon announced its plans to move from its Windy Hill home ground to develop the training facility at Melbourne Airport, in partnership with the Australian Paralympic Committee.
The 100,000 sq m facility will include two AFL-sized ovals - one the size of Etihad Stadium and another of the MCG - an indoor training area, large aquatic and gymnasium spaces and a one km running circuit. Essendon's administration will also be based at the airport venue.
Last month, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou visited Essendon's Windy Hill headquarters and declared the club's facilities the worst in the competition. Evans said the move was crucial to the club's future.
"This is the time for the Essendon Football Club to take the next step to stay ahead of its competitors," he said.
"With free agency and 18 teams imminent, the new facility at Melbourne Airport will enable us to attract and retain the best players, coaches and administrators to Essendon."
Construction at the precinct is scheduled to begin in November, with the Bombers expected to start training at the facility by early 2013.
Designs for the new precinct can be seen below.
Callum Twomey covers Essendon news for afl.com.au and essendonfc.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @Cal_Twomey
