Essendon Football Club has announced that it will not renew the contract of Head of High Performance Sean Murphy for the upcoming season. This decision marks the first significant change following an unprecedented injury crisis that has plagued the club throughout the year.
Murphy’s departure comes as the Bombers have been forced to field 13 debutants, the most by any club excluding expansion teams since Fitzroy in 1991. Currently, 15 players are sidelined due to injuries, highlighting the depth of the crisis at the Tullamarine-based club.
Murphy, who has been at the helm of Essendon’s high performance team for the past six seasons, will see his current contract expire at the end of the year. After discussions with the club, both parties mutually agreed that he would not continue in his role beyond 2025.
Leadership Changes Amidst Challenges
Essendon General Manager – AFL, Daniel McPherson, expressed gratitude for Murphy’s contributions in a club statement. “We want to thank Sean for his commitment to this role over the past six seasons at the Essendon Football Club,” McPherson stated. “These jobs are all-encompassing and on behalf of the Essendon Football Club, I want to thank Sean for the professionalism and integrity that he has carried himself with, particularly throughout what has been a really challenging season in 2025.”
McPherson emphasized the importance of the high performance and medical teams to the club’s success, noting, “This decision enables us to take a fresh approach and reshape the team as we prepare for a crucial off-season ahead of the 2026 AFL campaign.”
Reflections from Sean Murphy
Murphy described his tenure at Essendon as a privilege. “I’d like to thank the Essendon Football Club for the opportunity to lead the High Performance program over the past six seasons,” he said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and professional staff, and I want to acknowledge their commitment throughout my time at the Club.”
He further expressed pride in the resilience shown by his team during a challenging season, adding, “I am proud of the support shown within our High Performance team to each other and the playing group – it is a testament to the character of this team.”
“I also want to acknowledge the playing group, the coaches, the support staff, and the broader Club for their support and friendships made over the journey and I wish the Club all the best for the future.”
Searching for Successors
The Bombers have already initiated the search for Murphy’s replacement. According to Nine’s Tom Morris on SEN, potential candidates include West Coast’s Mathew Inness and Andrew Russell, who has experience with both the Hawks and Blues.
This leadership change comes at a critical time for Essendon as they aim to rebuild and strengthen their squad for the 2026 AFL season. The club’s extensive injury list has been a significant hurdle, and the new head of high performance will face the immediate challenge of addressing these issues.
Looking Ahead
The decision to part ways with Murphy is part of a broader strategy to revitalize Essendon’s performance both on and off the field. As the Bombers look toward the future, the emphasis will be on implementing a robust high performance strategy that can withstand the rigors of the AFL season.
With the 2026 campaign on the horizon, Essendon fans and stakeholders will be keenly watching how these changes unfold and what impact they will have on the club’s fortunes. The next steps in appointing a new high performance leader will be crucial in setting the tone for the club’s recovery and future success.
