Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of Dr. Mathew Inness as the new Head of High Performance and Medical. This strategic move comes as the club aims to enhance its football program following a challenging season.
Inness brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as High Performance Manager at the West Coast Eagles, where he spent two seasons. Before his tenure with the Eagles, Inness was the Head of Sport Science and Physical Performance at the Western Bulldogs. His impressive 12-season stint with the Bulldogs included a premiership win in his first full season and six finals appearances over nine seasons.
From Cricket Fields to AFL
Dr. Inness’s journey to Essendon is marked by a distinguished career both as an athlete and an academic. He represented Western Australia and Victoria in domestic cricket, achieving national selection at the under-17 and under-19 levels. In 2023, his contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Essendon Cricket Club’s Hall of Fame. Inness debuted for Essendon in Victorian Premier Cricket at just 14 years old and later made his first-class debut for Victoria in 1997.
His expertise extends beyond cricket, having worked with the Malaysian Track Cycling Team through two Olympic cycles, contributing to an Olympic Silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. Inness holds a PhD from Victoria University and has recently completed a Master of Business Administration, alongside a Masters in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University.
Returning to Essendon
Inness expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Essendon, a club with which he shares a deep history. “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,” he stated. “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.”
“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.” – Dr. Mathew Inness
Strategic Appointment for Essendon
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 said.
McPherson highlighted Inness’s track record, particularly his role during the Western Bulldogs’ premiership season and his recent contributions at the West Coast Eagles. “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.”
Looking Ahead
Inness is set to commence his role at Essendon ahead of the AFL players returning to training in November. His appointment is seen as a pivotal part of Essendon’s efforts to revitalize its football program and achieve future success.
As the Bombers prepare for the upcoming season, the club and its supporters are hopeful that Inness’s expertise will lead to improved performance and resilience among the players, setting the stage for a promising future.
