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.
With a diverse background spanning the AFL, NBA, MLB, and NFL, Regan’s career highlights include a premiership with the Melbourne Demons in 2021. His expertise in sports science and conditioning has been honed through roles with prominent American franchises such as the Miami Dolphins and the New York Mets, as well as a recent tenure with the Brooklyn Nets.
Regan’s Impressive Career Trajectory
Regan’s journey in the sports industry began in Australia, where he made significant contributions to the Melbourne Demons as their Head of Sports Science and later as Head of Strength and Power. His strategic input was instrumental in securing the Demons’ premiership win, marking a pinnacle in his domestic career.
Following his success in the AFL, Regan expanded his horizons internationally. His three-year stint with the Miami Dolphins from 2014 to 2017 and a subsequent role with the New York Mets as Sports Science Coordinator showcased his ability to adapt and excel in various sporting environments. Most recently, Regan served as the Head of Strength and Conditioning for the Brooklyn Nets, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in athlete performance.
Excitement and Expectations at Essendon
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
The addition of Regan is part of Essendon’s broader strategy to enhance its high-performance department. Mathew Inness, who recently joined as Head of High Performance and Medical, will work closely with Regan to implement innovative training methodologies.
Leadership and Vision
Daniel McPherson, Essendon’s GM – AFL, expressed confidence in the new high-performance 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
McPherson added, “We’re looking forward to David starting with the Club – there’s a lot of confidence that he’ll slot in well alongside Mat (Inness) and continue our improvement on the high-performance front.”
Looking Ahead
Regan is set to commence his role at Essendon as the AFL players return to training in November. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster the club’s athletic performance and prepare the team for future successes. As the Bombers gear up for the upcoming season, Regan’s experience and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in driving the team’s competitive edge.
The announcement of Regan’s appointment comes at a time when Essendon is focusing on strengthening its infrastructure and support systems to ensure sustained success. With a renewed emphasis on high performance, the club aims to leverage Regan’s international experience to elevate its training programs and enhance player development.
