Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of David Regan as its new Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach. Regan, who brings over a decade of experience from elite sports leagues in Australia and the United States, is set to join the Bombers ahead of the 2026 AFL season.
Regan’s impressive resume includes roles in the AFL, NBA, MLB, and NFL, showcasing a diverse skill set honed over 11 years. His most notable achievement in Australia was with the Melbourne Demons, where he served as Head of Sports Science and later as Head of Strength and Power, contributing to their 2021 premiership victory.
International Experience and Return to Australia
Before his stint with the Demons, Regan held significant positions with major American sports franchises. He spent three years with the Miami Dolphins from 2014 to 2017 and later worked as the Sports Science Coordinator for the New York Mets. Most recently, he was the Head of Strength and Conditioning for the Brooklyn Nets from 2023 until his return to Australia.
Regan expressed his enthusiasm about joining Essendon, stating, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come to a proud club like Essendon and I’m looking forward to working with Mat and the rest of the High Performance department ahead of the 2026 AFL Season.”
“It’s rare that you get an opportunity to work with a young and energetic list led by an incredible coaching staff. Coming back from America, I feel that the experiences that I’ve had in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and AFL can contribute to the development of the team and give the players the best chance to be at their best every week.” – David Regan
Strengthening Essendon’s High Performance Team
Regan’s appointment is part of Essendon’s strategic focus on enhancing its high performance capabilities. This initiative also saw Mathew Inness recently join as Head of High Performance and Medical. Daniel McPherson, Essendon’s GM – AFL, expressed his excitement about the new additions to the team.
“David’s appointment is another really exciting one for us. He has a wide range of experience across different elite competitions, both here and in the US, and has a proven track record, which will only benefit our high performance program more broadly,” McPherson said.
“Having seen how David operates first-hand from his time at the Demons, his ability to form strong relationships and bring great energy to the program to get the best out of players athletically has always stood out.” – Daniel McPherson
Looking Ahead
Regan will begin his role at Essendon as the AFL players return to training in November. His appointment is anticipated to bring fresh insights and methodologies from his international experiences, potentially giving Essendon a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
The move represents a significant step in Essendon’s ongoing commitment to improving its athletic performance and player development. With Regan and Inness at the helm of the high performance department, the Bombers are poised to make substantial progress in their pursuit of excellence on the field.
As the 2026 AFL season approaches, all eyes will be on how Regan’s expertise translates into tangible results for the team. His diverse background and proven success in both Australian and American sports contexts offer a promising outlook for Essendon’s future performance.
