Essendon Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Mathew Inness as the new Head of High Performance and Medical. Inness, who brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, joins the Bombers after a two-year tenure with the West Coast Eagles as High Performance Manager.
Inness’s career in sports science and physical performance is marked by significant achievements, including a pivotal role at the Western Bulldogs. During his 12-season tenure there, he led the team to a premiership in his first full season and guided them to finals in six of nine seasons. His extensive background in sports, both as an athlete and an academic, adds a unique dimension to his new role at Essendon.
From Cricket to AFL: A Distinguished Career
Before transitioning into high-performance management, Inness was a celebrated athlete, representing Western Australia and Victoria in domestic cricket. His cricket career began early, debuting for Essendon in Victorian Premier Cricket at just 14 years old. He went on to represent Australia at the under-19 level and made his first-class debut for Victoria in 1997. In recognition of his contributions, Inness was inducted into the Essendon Cricket Club’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
Inness’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a PhD from Victoria University, a Master of Business Administration, and a Masters in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University. His expertise extends beyond Australian borders, having worked with the Malaysian Track Cycling Team through two Olympic cycles, contributing to their Olympic Silver medal in Tokyo in 2021.
A New Chapter at Essendon
Inness expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Essendon, a club with which he shares a deep connection. “It is really sad to be leaving West Coast, but sometimes you have to let go of something that you love to take on a great opportunity,” Inness remarked. “The chance to come back to my family in Melbourne, and work at a club like Essendon with such a strong history, and an exciting future was the major driving factor in this decision.”
Inness is eager to contribute to Essendon’s future success. “In the conversations I’ve had with Essendon, I truly feel a genuine sense of purpose and an exciting vision for the future. The challenges of the past year have forged a really united team, and I can’t wait to join a group of players who are ready to get to work,” he added.
Essendon’s Strategic Vision
Essendon’s General Manager of Football, Dan McPherson, emphasized the significance of Inness’s appointment. “After undertaking an extensive process, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Mathew Inness as our new Head of High Performance and Medical. Securing someone of his calibre and experience is a significant step forward for our football program,” McPherson stated.
“Mat’s track record at both the Western Bulldogs, particularly during their premiership season, and more recently at the West Coast Eagles, speaks for itself. He has a proven ability to build and lead elite programs that get the best out of players,” McPherson continued.
This appointment is part of Essendon’s broader strategy to enhance their football department. “This appointment is a crucial piece of our strategy to build a world-class football department. We believe Mat will be a tremendous asset to our club, and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Bombers,” McPherson concluded.
Looking Forward
As Inness prepares to take on his new role, the anticipation is building for his impact on the club’s performance. He is set to commence his duties at Essendon ahead of the AFL players returning to training in November. The move represents a significant step in Essendon’s efforts to rebound after a challenging year, aiming to leverage Inness’s expertise to forge a path to future success.
