Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of Dr. Mathew Inness as the new Head of High Performance and Medical. This strategic move marks a significant step forward for the Bombers as they aim to enhance their football program. Inness joins the team after a successful tenure with the West Coast Eagles, where he served as the High Performance Manager for two seasons.
Dr. Inness brings a wealth of experience to Essendon, having previously held the position of Head of Sport Science and Physical Performance at the Western Bulldogs. During his 12-season tenure with the Bulldogs, he was instrumental in their premiership win and led the team to the finals in six of nine seasons. His extensive background in sports science and performance management is expected to be a valuable asset to the Bombers.
From Cricket to Cycling: A Diverse Career
Inness’s career is distinguished not only by his achievements in Australian Rules Football but also by his contributions to other sports. As a high-achieving athlete, he represented both Western Australia and Victoria in domestic cricket, earning national selection at the under-17 and under-19 levels. His cricketing prowess was recognized in 2023 when he was inducted into the Essendon Cricket Club’s Hall of Fame.
Beyond cricket, Inness has made significant contributions to international sports. He worked with the Malaysian Track Cycling Team through two Olympic cycles, playing a pivotal role in their success, including an Olympic Silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a PhD from Victoria University, a Master of Business Administration, and a Masters in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University.
Returning Home: 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.”
He emphasized the sense of purpose and vision he perceives at Essendon, stating, “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.”
Club’s Vision: Building a World-Class Football Department
Essendon General Manager of Football Dan McPherson highlighted the significance of Inness’s appointment, describing it as a crucial component of the club’s strategy to build a world-class football department. “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,” McPherson said.
“Securing someone of his calibre and experience is a significant step forward for our football program. 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 added, “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.”
Dr. Inness is set to commence his role at Essendon ahead of the AFL players returning to training in November. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the club as they prepare for the upcoming season.
