Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of David Regan as its new Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach, marking a significant enhancement to the club’s high-performance team. Regan brings extensive experience from elite sports leagues across Australia and the United States, including the AFL, NBA, MLB, and NFL.
Regan’s impressive career includes a successful tenure with the Melbourne Demons, where he served as Head of Sports Science and then Head of Strength and Power, contributing to their 2021 premiership victory. His international experience is equally noteworthy, having held pivotal roles with major American sports franchises such as the Miami Dolphins and the New York Mets.
International Expertise and Local Success
Before returning to Australia, Regan was the Head of Strength and Conditioning for the Brooklyn Nets, a position he held until the opportunity arose to join Essendon. His diverse background in sports science and conditioning is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Bombers’ program.
In a statement, Regan expressed his enthusiasm for joining Essendon, saying, “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.”
Strengthening the High-Performance Team
Regan’s appointment aligns with Essendon’s strategic focus on enhancing its high-performance capabilities. The club recently welcomed Mathew Inness as Head of High Performance and Medical, further underscoring its commitment to excellence.
Essendon’s General Manager of AFL, Daniel McPherson, expressed confidence in the new high-performance team, stating, “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.”
“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.”
Looking Ahead
Regan is set to commence his role at Essendon ahead of the AFL players returning to training in November. His appointment is seen as a crucial step in preparing the team for the upcoming season, with hopes that his expertise will lead to improved performance on the field.
The move represents a strategic effort by Essendon to leverage Regan’s international experience and innovative approach to sports science, aiming to provide their athletes with the best possible support and development opportunities.
As the Bombers gear up for the 2026 AFL Season, all eyes will be on how Regan’s influence shapes the team’s physical and competitive edge. The club and its supporters are optimistic about the potential improvements and successes that lie ahead.
