Essendon Football Club has announced the appointment of David Regan as its new Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach, marking a significant addition to their high-performance team. Regan brings over a decade of experience from elite sports organizations across Australia and the United States, including stints in the AFL, NBA, MLB, and NFL.
Regan’s career highlights include his tenure with the Melbourne Demons, where he served as Head of Sports Science and later as Head of Strength and Power, contributing to the team’s premiership victory in 2021. His international experience is equally impressive, having held pivotal roles with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Mets before returning to the Brooklyn Nets as Head of Strength and Conditioning.
A Wealth of Experience
David Regan’s extensive background in sports science and conditioning is expected to significantly enhance Essendon’s performance capabilities. His experience with the Miami Dolphins from 2014 to 2017 and his role as Sports Science Coordinator for the New York Mets highlight his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse sporting environments.
Regan’s recent tenure with the Brooklyn Nets further solidified his reputation as a leader in the field. His return to Australia to join the Bombers marks a strategic move for both Regan and the club, as they aim to leverage his international expertise to benefit the team’s performance.
Regan’s Vision for Essendon
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Regan stated,
“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.”
He emphasized the unique opportunity to work with a young and dynamic team, led by an exceptional coaching staff.
Regan believes that his diverse experiences in major sports leagues can contribute significantly to the development of Essendon’s players.
“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,”
he added.
Essendon’s Strategic Focus
The appointment of David Regan is part of Essendon’s broader strategy to strengthen its high-performance area. This follows the recent addition of Mathew Inness as Head of High Performance and Medical. The club’s General Manager of AFL, Daniel McPherson, expressed excitement about the new high-performance team.
McPherson commented,
“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.”
He highlighted Regan’s ability to form strong relationships and bring energy to the program, enhancing players’ athletic performance.
Looking Forward
With the AFL players set to return to training in November, Regan is poised to begin his role at Essendon, bringing fresh insights and strategies to the team. The club is optimistic that his expertise will contribute to their ongoing improvement in high performance.
As Essendon continues to build its high-performance team, the addition of seasoned professionals like David Regan reflects their commitment to excellence and their strategic vision for future success. The coming months will reveal how these changes translate into on-field performance as the team prepares for the 2026 AFL Season.
